ITV News

Was thinking what's going to lead tonight - the Icelandic Ash or the Debates - Mark on his blog says the same thing


I think they might go for the debates, but it's a tough decision none the less.

Debates as they have spent a lot of money I guess, well it had to be today of all days wouldn't it

from twitter it says that on the 6:30 the ash clouds are leading. ( Also leading on BBC News I believe)
Should think that by 10 the debate will lead because of as you say a lot of money gone it to it and as it's on ITV.

Well the debate isn't a big story. At all. They're just hyping it up. IMO it isn't actually news until its happened, and because the ash story has been allover the news all day, then its right for the debate to lead at 10pm.

I really love it when ITV News anchor on-location. Especially the evening news gets some great images. I know obviously they have all day to set up unlike Sky and the BBC who are rolling news channels but I think it shows ITV News at its best.

I remember one story last year, probably the G20 summit, we had Mary stood on the gardens outside Buckingham Palace (on a box because of her height bless her ) but the output was great, especially with the sunset.

I know I said it shows ITV News at its best and I suppose it could be argued that when they move out of the studio they only do it for big stories and therefore they have more to show off but nevertheless they do a good job.

Plus we get to see those Opening and Closing shots of the crew that we all love

I agree !

Also, the itv.com/news no only goes automatically the election page.

So glad to hear Julie is presenting tonight's NaT as well with Mark

ITV leads on Ash Story

The automated telephone poll happened at exactly 10pm during Clegg's final statement which was a bit irritating but I guess it couldn't be helped due to it overrunning.

I can see ITV are showing the BBC again, last time it was 6 'oclock and the 6.30 this time its itv news at ten and newsnight

edit: watching itv's news when Mark spoke to his guests the camera included Emily Maitlis

Giving enough time for all the polls etc to be included in the News at ten coverage - James Mates did his bit with the polls and was LIVE and still had to wait a few seconds for them to load

Yes, you could tell the results were still being processed but I guess the rest of the details they didn't manage to read out last night will be pretty prominent tonight at ten. Good to read that News at Ten won six million viewers last night as well, against the BBC's four million.

And as for today, well, old practices die hard don't they. James Mates on the News at 1:30: "Well, live now to our science editor Lawrence McGinty who's on the roof of ITN headquarters this lunchtime..."

I thought they grown out of plonking reporters on the roof when having them in the studio could suffice...