Who: Tanya and Dave
Where: Channel 13 News Room
When: Halloween ( Oct 31) afternoon news
Tanya smiled from behind her desk in the news room. Her husband Dave manned the camera - it'd been how they'd met, and eight years after the fact they still worked in the same place. The fact that they'd survived so long while reporting the news in Sunnydale was a testament to either how resilient they were or how little actual news was covered in Sunnydale. Maybe a bit of both.
The red light flashed and indicated that they would be on the air in five... four... three... two...
"Good afternoon, Sunnydale. I'm Tanya Oake, and this is channel 13 news. In our top story today, roving gangs of thugs have been terrorizing local residents. These dangerous gang bangers have been known to strike outside popular local clubs - often causing damage to property, or even bodily harm to those unlucky enough to be in their path..."
The news room rolled the film that went with this story. It was shot outside the Bronze, and according to the tagline, the lady being interviewed was Carrie Dale, college student.
"I was just, you know- like going to have a good time with my friends when suddenly this total fight broke out. This really drunk or high girl was screaming and cursing saying she'd kill us all and then this red headed girl and this black - oh, we're not supposed to say that anymore, are we? African-American - this African Americanized guy - were jumping on the girl and beating her. I never even knew we had people of color in this town. Look what they're bringing to our peaceful town!"
Inwardly, Tanya rolled her eyes and wondered who had left that one through, but she had a job to do so she continued on. "Now that we're approaching the holiday season, you may have the urge to grill in your backyard on a particularly nice day. The police department would like to remind you to be safe - especially when handling sharp objects like barbecue forks. A number of fork-related injuries occurred over the summer and early fall , and we'd like to all have a safe holiday season. Speaking of which - area children are getting ready for their favorite holiday, Halloween."
The tape rolled again, this time showing a group of costumed kids at the elementary school parade. "What do you like best about Halloween?" the reporter on the scene asked. "CANDY" the kids shouted in unison.
Tanya chuckled. "Adorable, aren't they? Make sure your little goblin or ghostie sticks to well-lighted streets, and has reflective tape on their costume to avoid accidents. As usual, Sunnydale General is offering to X-ray candy for any concerned parents - not that we've ever had much Halloween trouble in our town, but you can never be too careful. If you're looking for some family fun on Halloween, why not stop by the Harvest Festival at the Farmer's Market?"
The film cut in again to show the farmer's market. Stalls were set up for pumpkin carving contests, apple bobbing, and other such traditional activities. Posters directed folks to other areas of the festival - a barn dance, a hay ride, and a corn maze.
"My cameraman Dave and I are going to be broadcasting live for the 11 o'clock news tonight at the Festival, so it might be your chance to get on television too! Come on down, and celebrate the season. And now, Kevin with the weather. Take it away, Kevin."
The news broadcast went on as usual - weather was followed by sports, and then a couple of brief human interest stories. At the end of the broadcast, they rolled more footage from the Harvest festival, ending on the image of a grinning Jack-o-Lantern headed scarecrow with a straw hat, plaid shirt, and cornstalk arms and legs. The camera angled in on the pumpkin head's eyes, which were lit with a candle flame.
"And.... clear!" The signal that the broadcast was over. Tanya rubbed her head, and looked to Dave. "That scarecrow shot was creepy," she said. "We should get more of that tonight- people love a little scare on Halloween."