Japan: Quake, Tsunami and Nuclear Coverage

Yes but for me an I suspect many other videos such as this http://video.l3.fbcdn.net/cfs-l3-snc6/81489/34/1605260179420_2624.mp4?oh=ac31b4d8738221641ba490396dc19636&oe=4D7F9F00&l3s=20110313100648&l3e=20110315101648&lh=0a6cfa5eeaecd6dc12abf are much better than watching an ugly nuclear plant that is not changing whatsoever. I also prefer the focus to be on the facts of what is happening as a result of the earthquake/tsunami and not endless speculation on what may or may not happen in the coming days and hours regarding the nuclear plant.

Nice use of the Barcos with a rarely seen full-width story-specific backdrop behind a two-head shot:



...and yes, I realise it's one image replicated multiple times across the width of the shot, but I think it still looks nice.

I can't recall the last time a shot like this was used on the News Channel (this type of screen usage is often employed in the National bulletins); it's nice to see a bit of variety, and while some on the Forum might demand this kind of creative use of the screens all the time, I believe it's the sparing, occasional use of this kind of studio feature that makes it stand out that much more.

Rolling news channels entire lives are taken up by constant speculation on what may or may not happen with the big story of the day. And today that story is immenient nuclear catastrophe.

Rest assured that if there wasn't this issue with the power station, there would be rolling coverage of videos like that, along with constant speculation on what may or may not have happened to the people featured in it.

Oh, and "ugly nuclear plant" - it's a power station - they're not supposed to be pretty. Would you like them to set some fairy lights up to improve the view?

Ok Sky, time to stop your sensationalist promo's complete with dramatic sound effects into the breaks.

I say that the BBC/Sky should show other news as well. Not that the earthquake isn't a news story there just not seem to be any UK news on the UK news channels

Maybe there's no UK stories of any real interest at the moment?

To be fair both Sky and BBC News were covering yesterday.

I've seen sufficient coverage of Labour's pre-Budget suggestions, the controversy surrounding the alcohol 'responsibility deal' and Freddy Patel's misconduct verdict at various points when I've tuned in to the BBC News Channel today, along with other international news such as Libya developments and Gulf state reinforcements in Bahrain amid growing protests.

The situation in Japan is still a massive and immediate story, with any number of genuinely important and relevant angles being covered (the scale of the disaster coming into focus; the personal stories being told; the impact on the Japanese economy and the implications for the global economy; nuclear power station failures; violent aftershocks and the threat of another large-scale quake; the enormous rescue and clean-up operation beginning; missing Britons; rolling blackouts... need I go on?), and while I can't vouch for Sky News coverage today, I'd say that in the face of such a vast, complex and developing story, BBC News has apportioned a very reasonable amount of time to covering other matters, both foreign and domestic.

You can't dismiss a 'once in a thousand years' story after a few days. If things settle, I'd expect things to move on from Wednesday post PMQs. The story's got at least another whole day blanket coverage in it afaic.

Well said BBC LDN.

This story will probably be one of those people speak of for decades to come. Jesus - it's literally unfolding, not even begun.

I wouldn't trust the judgement of someone who ends their post with a smiley face for no apparent reason.

Ian Woods saying on Twitter that having failed to meet up with his producer and cameraman, he had to film the report that ran on Sky today himself.

http://twitter.com/#!/Skyman64

Great coverage on NHK now as they cover and analyse the latest explosion at the Fukushima nuclear plant. Extraordinary to see the previously calm and contained reporters rightly giving the TEMPCO officials a hard time in the press conference.