Creating a Report

In order for the NASDAQ MarketSite stage to work, each reporter has to be fairly autonomous. The reporter writes his own script, perhaps after having a phone conversation with his news organization. If the reporter wishes to use a teleprompter, he loads the script into the prompter right before the report is delivered. He then calls the wall operator to select the quotes and statistics he wants to appear on the wall behind him during the report.

©2007 HowStuffWorks The set of cameras in the NASDAQ MarketSite

Now the reporter is ready to begin. He stands on the stage in one of the three positions available. Back in the control room, there are three control consoles for the three stage positions, and a technician can operate the cameras, lights and sound equipment for each reporting position using a large control panel.

Each stage position can have up to eight different cameras, operated by a joystick, allowing the operator to select and cut together different shots during the reporter's session.

©2007 HowStuffWorks A NASDAQ MarketSite control booth

Lights work the same way. Each position on stage has several different lighting arrangements. The operator picks an arrangement and brings up the lights.