Chicago public radio and TV newsrooms begin partnership

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Chicago’s PBS and NPR stations, WTTW and WBEZ, announced a newsroom partnership Monday that makes it easier for their journalists to share their reporting on-air.

WBEZ has installed a robotic camera at its Navy Pier headquarters so its staffers can report live for WTTW’s evening news program Chicago Tonight. A new high-speed fiber line also gives WTTW hosts and correspondents easier access to WBEZ programs. The stations, which formally launch the partnership this week, will also cross-promote stories.

It’s not the first time the stations have shared their reporting power, but this partnership “allows for easier and more spontaneous collaboration,” according to the press release.

“We hope this technology is just the first step in a creative and organic collaboration between our two newsrooms that will benefit both audiences,” said Mary Field, executive producer of Chicago Tonight. “This partnership is about extending the reach, breadth and depth of the high-quality journalism and programming being produced by both institutions.”

The two stations said they will look for other ways to collaborate, including possible joint reporting and digital projects.

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