I'VE SEEN THE FIRE COVERAGE on TV News here. I'm surprised you're OK with the coverage but not overly so. It's the new norm of the day here and beyond: accept mediocrity and give a thumbs-up to the performance. How quaint.First off, let's take the emotion out of an obviously emotional story what with thousands of people who've lost their homes and have to cope with reality. It's very sad and overwhelming and very difficult to comprehend. I can't imagine what these people are going through. I've seen all the interviews -from virtually every TV News outlet. And that's where we start. Does anyone have a different analysis? Surely, someone--maybe a real reporter--can ask the local fire chief how this fire could have started--was it weather-related? Could it have been arson? Any chance wildfire could have originated from earlier fires? I haven't seen this question asked. I see a lot of reporters asking feel-good questions. Ho hum. I see, for example, Tom Vacar of KTVU, commiserating with a woman at one of the evacuation centers. It's good TV, Tom, but where's the information? Maybe you didn't get the memo.
Vacar's puff-pastry act is mostly indicative of the mediocrity of the reporters and anchors on-scene and back at the studio. We have come to accept it because mediocrity is the new excellence. We're perfect lemmings for the yahoos who are in charge because they know the gullibility factor.
Wake me when someone asks a decent question.
Actually I could have sworn that on KTVU Monday morning - Alex Savidge asked and posited that the fire may have started outside or near a home. Anyway. You know how it goes, the IC and the PIO are NOT going to give up much information outside of what is in the 0700 morning briefing that is passed around. That contains updates and numbers on what happened the day before and conditions for the next operation period but NO speculation. No time for that now. That leaves the reporters to seek out the human interest and not much more
ReplyDeleteThey could ask the local fire chief how he thinks it started, but that only does two things...puts the local fire chief in trouble with Cal Fire if he answers (and especially if he ends up getting it wrong) and adds to the media's own (largely earned) reputation for speculation. Cal Fire will announce the cause when its investigators are able to tell what it is. Meantime, the story is the people affected.
ReplyDeleteMaybe Tom V did get the memo, and the memo was "you can stay here a bit longer if you follow the drivelscript."
ReplyDeleteVacar's got pastry puffs stuck to his ass & shit for brains.
DeleteHmph...James Cameron, Tom Vacar...ASS!!!!
DeleteLocal coverage was fine. Suggesting that reporters are overlooking the possibility of arson is laughable.
ReplyDeleteOne of the problems with reporting breaking news stories is people want instant answers that simply are not available.
ReplyDeleteHow did the fire start? We will find out eventually, but only after fire investigators can get into what is likely a now inaccessible area. Of course a reporter could ask a Fire Chief to speculate, but that's not how a "real reporter" works and no competent Fire Chief would want to put out misinformation.
I would also suggest that when 585 (and counting) homes are reduced to ashes, and 10's of thousands are under evacuation, the human impact and emotion IS very much a part of the story.
The dumbing down of America. Perfect example, electing Obama.
ReplyDeleteYes because the last guy was a sharp tack.
DeleteYes, we all know how enlightened climate change and evolution denying Republicans are, because Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, Sarah Palin, Bobby Jindal, and Rick Perry are your leading lights.
DeleteLooks like you were first in line because your non sequitur regarding the topic is ridiculous.
DeleteOr the popularity of Trump with right wingers.
DeleteBetter example: your comment.
DeleteLook at all the clueless sheep.
DeleteLowenstein ... love your sarcasm. It's such a dimwitted comment – it can only be meant as irony, right? Keep it up!
Delete11:16 please don't reproduce.
DeleteWhy is it necessary to always criticize everything the local media does? I've watched a lot of the coverage and it told me everything I needed to know.
ReplyDeleteI think there have been some very good examples of coverage- particularly Sunday. Happened to catch KNTV that evening with Raj Mathai field anchoring. Excellent job on his part, ditto for reporting and photography by everyone else. For 'in the moment' coverage, they did a great job, and seemed more prepared and coordinated than the other stations, on that day. Going forward, yes, it's time to switch to deeper coverage, and I hope to see that.
ReplyDeleteYes, I also wondered why there hasn't been more re: the origin. One more thing: it seems like most of the national news reports call the place "MiddleTON"
ReplyDeletePeople are afraid to rock the boat. Media relations people really put pressure on reporters to do it their way. It happens everywhere. In all industries. On top of that, media don't care anymore. It's just a job. Thanks to the Dickeys and the other "moguls" who own media properties. Bless you heart rippers.
ReplyDeleteAnon @1:22, could you please try to make sense.
DeleteIf "it happens everywhere, in all industries" why are you singling out "the Dickeys and the other 'moguls' who own media properties?"
If you have something to say, try to figure out what it is.
9:56
ReplyDeleteRepeating the same ol' Faux News bullshit, I see.
As if electing Romney would've solved our problems??? (problems which started in the Dubya administration).
Problems that will go away....if we elect Trump??
A record 98 million unemployed Americans. Yes, things are soooo much better under your party.
Delete@5:59
Delete"Yes, things are soooo much better under your party. "
They certainly were under Bill Clinton. Surplus, jobs and thriving middle class. By the way, speaking of the "record 98 million unemployed," looks like your gal Meg just added 30,000 more.
11:14 it shows how uninformed you are if you believe Clinton had anything to do with that.
DeleteMaps? We don't need no stinkin' maps!
ReplyDeleteI am amazed at how so few of the media - both print and broadcast - actually show us where the fires are, and how they may spread (wind forecasts, for example). Lots of bright flames and sad faces and worn-out firefighters, but no maps!
Most of us know the Gold Country and Napa and Lake Counties, but it's virtually impossible to see the perimeters of the fires.
Wouldn't it be nice to know how our friends in the boonies are faring?
You can stream Sacramento station KCRA 3. Excellent coverage.
ReplyDeleteAs far as anchors go, I am watching Peggy Bunker and Heather Holmes (tied at first). In LA, I will watch Fox11 or Cbs9....
ReplyDeleteI will always switch to CBS to watch Norah O'Donnell though!
It's all bull shit
ReplyDeleteYou're going to complain about the quality of reporters in this town, and you use Tom Vacar as an example? He is arguably one of the best, most professional people on television here. Only an armchair news producer could think that Vacar is a mediocre reporter.
ReplyDelete