The Path to Totality With ABC News & National Geographic
Yesterday, April 8th, 2024 people across North America gathered to catch of glimpse of the solar eclipse. Whether you were in the path of totality or watching from the comfort of Disney+, it was certainly an event to remember.
ABC News and National Geographic partnered together to bring viewers an unparalleled look at the solar eclipse. The path of totality spanned all the way from Mazatlán, Mexico to Houlton, Maine.
The production allowed audiences to witness the rare celestial event in real-time and from the comforts of home. So, how did they pull it off?
Background to Totality
Seni Tienebeso, Executive Director of ABC News Live said, “Our ABC News Live operations team started laying the groundwork in Summer 2023.”
The crew had to be flexible while building the broadcast in real-time. Molly Shaker, Executive Producer of ABC Special Events Unit commented, “Whatever they were seeing — they pitched to us, and we tossed to it… so everything was very fluid and in the moment.”
The broadcast followed the path of totality across the nation. It stopped and met with correspondents in cities with 100% totality like Dallas, Indianapolis, Cleveland, and Niagara Falls.
Scientific ‘Chops’
While ABC was in charge of the broadcast, National Geographic brought the scientific expertise.
President of ABC News, Kim Goodwin said, “Partnering with Nat Geo gave us unparalleled access to a breadth of world-class expertise and insight. That allowed us to connect with audiences on a scientific level while celebrating this extraordinary event.”
Multiple departments from both ABC and Nat Geo each comprised of dozens of people met weekly to bring it all together. The result was three hours’ worth of unprecedented eclipse coverage.
The coordination of reporters and scientists during the broadcast brought viewers outside of the path of totality, into it.
Thanks to Disney’s multiple platforms, the coverage is available to watch on ABC, National Geographic Channel, Disney+, Hulu, and social media channels.
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