Anatomy of a Blooper
The second—make that the nanosecond—it was out of my mouth, I knew I was in for it. A few garbled syllables on Friday night’s newscast, and I was on my way to a little more internet fame that I would have preferred.
Here’s a link to it, but first, as they say on the late night talk shows, let me set up the clip. It was just before a commercial, and Kaity and I were reading the “coming up” tease. One of the items involved a non-fatal shooting on Long Island, in which the victim was working as a babysitter. Shooting. Babysitter. Roll the clip:
Let me say first of all, I am a professional, and I should be able to handle phrases like this without blurting out inadvertent barnyard epithets. But, gentle reader, YOU try saying “babysitter shot” five times real fast, and see what happens. Go ahead, try it, I’ll wait...
Uh-huh. See? And people think news anchoring is easy.
As I said, I realized immediately what I’d done. For one, there was the reaction of Kaity sitting next to me; I think the phrase “convulsing with laughter” is appropriate. The minute we hit the commercial, I turned to her and said, “well, looks like I’m headed for youtube.”
I was. The clip had been posted by the next morning. In the comments section on my previous blog post, someone named Dan wrote: “Hey, Jim… Great slip-up on the news last night!!! Loved it!” And then he personally directed readers to the youtube clip. Thanks, Dan. How thoughtful.
Youtube. It’s been a game changer in the ever-popular world of news bloopers. It used to be an anchor “mis-read” (I like the sound of that better) went the way of all live TV, off into the distant universe where only advanced civilizations on planets thousands of light years away would have future access to the goof. (Although clips of anchor bloopers used to get collected at individual stations, to be presented on a “Christmas reel” that was played at the station’s holiday party, usually at the point when everyone was all liquored up. It’s why I stopped going to station Christmas parties.) But now with youtube, bloopers are like diamonds; they’re forever.
Such is life in the digital age. Bloopers have gone global. It wasn’t exactly how I planned to make my mark on the world, but I guess it’ll have to do for now.
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Comments: 13
Dear Jim,
My family has been watching your newscast for quite some time. In fact my 8 year old daughter watched parts of that broadcast with me and when she heard the blooper, she giggled quite a bit. It was a good one Jim! Besides, you newscast is always good for a chuckle (at least!)and a glimpse into a newsroom that has a friendly and professional rapport amongst the reporters and anchors. In fact, Sean Kimmerling comes to mind. That's why we've watched for many years. You all seem to be like the rest of us, concerned and worried about the topics that mean the most to us and our families, especially topics that affect our children. (My second son has aspbergers). So when the inevitable misread happens, smile and laugh and keep on making the world a better place.
Don't sweat it Jim, we all make mistakes. You're still a well respected anchorman. It'll take a lot more than that to become a Ron Burgundy. Hope you get the reference.
I was watching on Friday night and thanks to that wonderful invention known as the DVR, I did rewind to confirm what I thought I heard.
Although this slip of the tongue was not quite as bold as past "words" expressed by Sue Simmons and Arthur Chien, it was entertaining just the same.
Still, you are all great professionals.
Thanks for posting my video, Jim!
I hope everyone enjoys it.
Tell Marty Rais I said "Hello"... I was with him the following morning at his son's Bar-Mitzvah.
We all had fun laughing at your snafu during the party...
Seeing a mention of Sue Simmons and Arthur Chien in the same sentence highlights an interesting sociological fact of our era: that for literally the exact same behavior -- using the "F" word on live television -- Mr. Chien was summarily fired, while Ms. Simmons was not reprimanded in any way whatsoever. It must be nice for Ms. Simmons to enjoy complete immunity from the consequences of her actions because of her protected status.
Seeing a mention of Sue Simmons and Arthur Chien in the same sentence highlights an interesting sociological fact of our era: that for literally the exact same behavior -- using the "F" word on live television -- Mr. Chien was summarily fired, while Ms. Simmons was not reprimanded in any way whatsoever. It must be nice for Ms. Simmons to enjoy complete immunity from the consequences of her actions because of her protected status.
Hi Mr Watkins,
I always watch the CW11 News at 10 and let me tell you, it was an honest mistake. You didn't mean to say it like that and everybody knows it. I still love all you guys. Godspeed.
Hi Jim, that is so funny! I couldn't say "babysitter shooting" twice without it turning into what you had said. Maybe I should go to your office holiday party in your place. I love bloopers!
slip of a tongue happens from time to time, and sometimes it's cute (hey, they even have a whole TV show just for bloopers, and it is fun!)
I like your professional anchoring job, keep it up.
You're hot. You can curse at me anytime.
That's funny! Good set up too, I didn't even have to view the clip.
Hi Jim I always watch the cw 11 news and it really was something that is impossible not to say because I cant say "babysitter shooting" without it coming out like that either. Your professionalism is incredible and I feel that you are one of the best reporters out there.I love watching you guys at night because you give the news exactly how it is,you are real and upfront and I really love that.
You are all a great team! God Bless
i love the cw 11 news!
its the best!
i feel like you guys are my friends!
but that was pretty funny!