Behind the headlines

On election night, while millions of Americans tuned in to watch results unfold, the Southeast Arrow was busy working behind-the-scenes to ensure readers and viewers stayed informed.

From tracking the latest updates to coordinating real-time coverage, the newsroom became a hub of activity as journalists raced to gather facts, verify results, and deliver timely updates.

Over the course of the evening, five teams, two classes, and the Arrow staff combined forces to provide accurate and timely coverage of the 2024 election.

The first team, the social media team, worked diligently to manage the fast-paced environment, ensuring everyone stayed focused. They also worked on promoting the Arrow’s coverage across multiple social platforms.

Meanwhile, the writing and research team gathered information throughout the evening, providing readers with real-time updates on key election developments. They also worked closely with the graphics team, who provided professional graphics to go along with the team’s stories.

Graphics team member Gabriella Marsh said she was proud of how hard her team worked.

“I got really blessed with an awesome team. They’re a great group of people. The communication has been really, really good, especially because we’re all at the same table, so that helps a lot. So it’s been a good night,” Marsh said.

Other members of the Arrow team ventured out into the rain to interview locals across Cape Girardeau, to capture their thoughts on the election and its personal significance.

Lastly, the studio team put in long hours to produce live-streamed shows, leading discussions on the night’s major election news.

The team’s collaborative efforts on Election Night were a testament to the power of teamwork and dedication in delivering unbiased, timely coverage. Each team played a vital role in ensuring that readers and viewers alike stayed informed throughout the night.