When I began in news, we were shooting with Bolex 16's and Canon Scoopics. Eventually ENG came along and the job changed quite a bit in terms of being able to get lots of pictures and get them to air quickly.

There's one bit of advice I offer to the younger shooters these days that holds true regardless of what equipment you use.

Always be ready for the time when somebody will try to grab your camera, or your tape to prevent it from being broadcast. This is something that continues to happen in a variety of situations and it always happens quickly.

It could be at some sort of demonstration where activists are clashing with police. It could be a labor dispute where the picketers are smashing up cars and trucks. It could be any situation where your camera has captured somebody doing something wrong, or illegal and they know it! And it usually involves some pretty wild and spectacular video. It makes you look good for being there at the right moment. Shooters have to be ready for the moment that they will be approached by somebody demanding the tape or the film. Usually the people are angry and ready for violence. Sometimes it's a group of angry people. I don't know why, but it's happening a lot these days.

Here's my best advice. As soon as you've shot something that places you in jeopardy, withdraw to a safe place for a few moments -- A building doorway or your vehicle or whatever. Switch the tape from your camera and insert a new tape...let's call it the dummy tape. Stash your good tape in a safe place. Put a fake label on it if you want. Some shooters will carry a dummy tape in their shoulder bag with them at all times just for this purpose. If someone says they saw you change tapes, just shrug and say you changed batteries.

An alternative idea when you shoot some dangerous tape is to back off right away and get ready to head back to the newsroom with your unusual footage.

But backing off or switching tapes is the easy part. The hard part is knowing exactly when is the right time to step back and stop shooting. We've all been in that situation where you shoot some excellent news footage - you know it's good, but the situation gets wilder and as you continue to shoot, the pictures just get better and better. At some point you have to decide that you have enough great video - you have to take steps to protect it.

As for the moment when you are approached by somebody demanding your tape, stay cool. Don't give in right away. Put up a noisy protest, but don't get yourself beat up over it. Try to reason with the people and keep your camera rolling. You may even get away with it. If not, give up your dummy tape. Let them think they've