Meet Ross Power Senior Editor Supervisor in the Newsroom

At Nine, the preparation for the Olympics and Paralympics is a monumental task that involves countless hours of work from dedicated teams across various departments across the business. The effort is much more than what meets the eye on the screen, with a complex web of technology, logistics, and human expertise coming together to deliver seamless coverage. 

Ross Power, the Senior Editor Supervisor in the Newsroom has been with Nine for 15 years and has seen firsthand the evolution of technology and its integration into broadcasting operations. 

Seamless technology integration

At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Ross will be heading to France and teaming up with veteran reporter Damian Ryan to edit the games content for 9News each day from Paris. He’ll be utilising groundbreaking technology that allows remote editing from Paris – a first for the Olympics. 

Initially developed out of necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic, the technology allows raw content recorded in Paris to be sent to the Sydney server, where Ross and his team can edit using a remote connection. This innovative solution ensures that editing can be done efficiently and effectively, regardless of location. This method has been refined over time, to a well-oiled machine that now supports numerous programs across Nine. Such technological advancements demonstrate Nine’s commitment to staying at the forefront of broadcasting innovation.  

Opportunities for growth and skill diversification

Working on the Olympics and Paralympics offers a unique opportunity for Ross and the team to broaden their skill sets and take on new challenges. 

Team members are rotated through various departments, allowing them to tackle tasks they wouldn’t typically encounter. For example, editors who usually focus on politics or court stories are now diving into sports editing, creating highlights and producing the overlay for sizzle reels. This diversification not only enhances the team’s versatility but also provides individuals with valuable professional growth opportunities.

Connecting with the work

For Ross and his team, the connection to their work is evident. In Ross’ words, “we all live and breathe the news.” Covering a major global event like the Olympics, brings a sense of excitement and pride. Ross emphasises the importance of delivering timely and high-quality news, especially during major events like the Olympics and Paralympics.

 “Every time I talk to people about the news, I think the one thing that they never really realise is just how very much up to the last minute everything is. We can literally be editing 10 minutes before we go live with a story.”

The team’s connection to their work fosters a sense of ownership and dedication, driving them to deliver the best possible coverage for viewers and ensuring that the final product is seamless and captivating.

A personal journey

For Ross, attending the Olympics in Paris is not just a professional milestone but also a personal adventure. Having spent the past six months learning French, he’s looking forward to immersing himself in the local culture and practising his language skills in Parisian cafes –  even if he gets laughed at when ordering his coffee and croissant.