[BC] newsroom software

[FrankGott@aol.com]

In a message dated 1/15/2006 5:54:26 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
dlh at donnahalper.com writes:

<< Thanks to everyone who helped with information about newsroom 
 software. >>
Donna,

Allow me to say a few words about WireReady.  We've been using it for over 10 
years.  It is intuitive.  We've never had a problem with someone learning how 
to use it.  Archive an AP story or PRNewsWire release, rewrite it in the 
local file.  Create a local story on the notepad and archive it into the local 
file.  Do you want to research a story?  Search the archives.  

There's also a planner to note future assignments.  We've created separate 
archives for phone numbers and the assignment sheet.

Need support?  They get back to you within about 15 minutes.

WireReady's audio interface is CoolEdit.  Yes, there is a learning curve for 
the older folks in the newsroom.  Once the reel-to-reel decks began 
disappearing they saw the handwriting on the wall.  Everyone is now onboard.

WireReady has a web publishing tool we'll be using sometime in the future.  
What sold us on upgrading to a newer version of WireReady is add-on software 
used to automate the station during the off hours.  

WireReady had been the software of choice for ABC and CC.  Owner David 
Gerstman is a great guy.  One of his support people is based here in Pittsburgh.

WireReady isn't perfect.  I'd prefer a better phone list program and a 
planner more like our assignment sheet.

AP's EPNS or NewsDesk has the advantage of being free.  I think it's still 
free.  

I looked at Burli at the last NAB I attended.  Very impressive product.  They 
have features such as Instant Messaging among workstations, a user friendly 
phone list, and an assignment sheet function I liked.  They couldn't tell me if 
our WireReady files could be imported.

In the end we upgraded WireReady because we already used their product, were 
impressed by their support, and saw it as an all-in-one product for news and 
automation.

Frank Gottlieb
KQV