IDEA Pack: Broadcasting, Meteorologist & … Superheroes?

Pack Title: On The Air

Careers in broadcasting:

• Radio DJ
• Podcaster
• Talk Show Host - Late Night or Daytime
• News Anchor
• Field Reporter - fly a News Chopper!
• Photojournalist - Freelance, sell photos to tabloids or news outlets
• Meteorologist

This idea began with the question:
Would it be possible to add a Meteorologist career independent of the Seasons expansion?
(FORUM CREDIT: meteorologist should be a career option)
Meteorologists appear on local news → Why not a full Broadcasting expansion?

NEWSPAPER: This pack would be an opportune time to reintroduce the Newspaper object back into the Base Game. Journalists can get a moodlet from reading their own articles in the Newspaper! 

WORLD: Seaside City Metropolis - a bustling city with apartments, penthouses and … villain lairs?

Superheroes?

(FORUM CREDIT: Super heroes/villains pack idea)

The relationship of Journalist and Superhero team-ups are a common comic book trope (Vicki Vale, Lois Lane, etc) with many Alter Egos working in the news industry (Clark Kent, Peter Parker, etc). A Broadcasting pack would be a great accompaniment to introduce a new Superhero occult-type, where Reporters chronicle the stories of their herodom or villainy. Podcasters can invite these super-celebs as guests or just gossip about them. Superheroes can be the saviors of newsworthy disaster events whereas Supervillains can be the masterminds behind them.

Newsworthy Events

Report on breaking news or spectate as a citizen. The timing of these events would be random and unpredictable, adding excitement and spontaneity to the game. Experience the thrill of chasing a news story the moment it breaks.

• Weather Event: Waterspout, Tornado, Double Rainbow
• Cosmos Event: Solar Eclipse, Comet Sim-Bopp, Meteor Shower
• Strange Phenomenon: Frog Rain, UFO Lights, Cryptid sighting
• Press Conference
• Parade
• Supervillain shenanigans

Sell a Scoop

Got a news tip? What’s the word on the street? Call the news and sell the scoop!

• Abducted by Aliens
• Fought a Vampire
• Fended off Burglary
• Spoofy Scoop (+Mischief)

Press Tour

Go on a media blitz to celebrate your Herodom (or Villainy), promote a new book, increase your fame or repair reputation [Get Famous], promote your business, etc.

• Host a Press Conference - Press Podium with many microphones
• Interview Circuit: Podcast, Radio, Talk Show, News Article
• Photo Op

Promotional Boost - increase sales or revive royalties - Invite a Reporter!

• Book Signing - Library
• Written Music - Radio Station
• Grand Opening - Business
• Become a Podcast Sponsor

Meteorologist

The local news crew isn’t complete without a Weather Forecaster. There are plenty of Base Game tasks for a Meteorologist to perform without the Seasons expansion.

Aspiration: Storm Seeker

(NOTE: Storm Chaser name already taken as an Aspiration Reward [Seasons])

Intercept the storm (Waterspout, Frog Rain, etc) with the goal of capturing amazing footage. Study weather events and report your findings. For science!

• Measure wind speed
• Study atmospheric conditions
• Diagnose weather conditions
• Make predictions
• Issue warnings and alerts

Reward: Predict the Weather ability. You’re so attuned with the weather that you can accurately predict the future forecast without the need of a phone app or calendar.

Weather Phone App

Learn the current weather in other world maps before you travel. 1-Week forecast. Very useful for planning destination vacations.
(FORUM CREDIT: Idea: add weather symbols/icons)

Gameplay

Telescope

• Observe the Sky
• Study weather patterns
• Clouds
• Jet streams
• Lunar cycles
• UV Index
• Pollen / Allergy report (study plant)

Backyard Observatory

• NEW Weather Prints collection. Rarest prints obtained when used during the event: Solar Eclipse, Frog Rain, Double Rainbow, etc.

Cross-Pack:

• Pollution / Air Quality / Acid Rain [Eco Lifestyle]
• The Spore Report [Strangerville]
• Temperature / Precipitation [Seasons]

Activity

• Weather Balloon

BB

• Barometers, gauges and gadgets
• Radar / Satellite Imagery
• Windsock
• Greenscreen with Video Camera (inspiration: In A Flash Photo Studio, GtW)

CAS - Wacky Weatherman

• Umbrella hat
• Patterned Suit Jacket: raindrops, clouds, sun, snow
• Rain poncho

Field Reporter

Tasks

• Conduct interviews
• Film event / B-roll

BB

• Handheld Microphone
• Video Camera Tripod - place in world → tend camera → conduct interviews

CAS

• Trench coat
• Press Pass fedora
• Business casual
• Press vest

Talk Show Host / News Anchor

Tasks

• Research Current Events
• Write / Practice Comedy Monologue

BB

• Talk Show Desk
• Acrylic News Desk
• Guest Couch / Armchair
• City lights backdrop
• News Globe backdrop

CAS

• Snazzy suit
• Pencil / Sheath Dress

Radio DJ / Podcaster

Tasks

• Compile playlists
• Play song requests
• Interview guests
• Listener call-ins
• Advertise sponsors

Topics

• Specialized - True Crime, Comedy
• Current Events - News, Pop Culture, Politics [City Living]
• Lifestyle - Fashion, Travel, Food, Wellness
• Niche - Hobbies, Skills, Books, Music
• Knowledge - Finance, Science, Weather

BB

• Podcast microphone desk
• Sound panels
• Radio cabinet
• Clock radio

CAS

• Headphones
• Comfy Casual wear

Freelance Photojournalist

Get out into the world and capture the moment in photos!

• Newsworthy Events
• Festivals
• Parade
• Cryptids - Emily of Windenburg, Mother Plant, Alien, Mothman? Bigfoot?? Sewer Gator?!
• People - Celebrities [Get Famous], Politicians [City Living]

BB

• Paparazzi Camera
• Vintage Press Camera

CAS

• Photographer vest
• Canvas cap

Kids Activity

Walkie Talkie

• Gift device to friend
• Sync channels (assign) - 4 channels = 4 friends
• Chat
• Tell jokes
• Play a game of “I Spy”
• Invite over

Opens up a quick-call pie-menu of select friends, bypassing the need to search through the relationship panel or the Select a Sim pop-up.