Useless News Reporting
I don't mean to minimize the seriousness of today's events at the Walmart in El Paso. It certainly is an important and newsworthy event. But...
At least two cable channels seem to have suspended normal programming to provide continuous coverage of the "breaking news". The thing is, after the initial surge of information came out there has been precious little more to report. They drag out any "expert" they can find to comment on the event, but it's all stuff we've heard many times before. The real new news could be covered in a five-minute update every hour or half-hour. Otherwise, it's just an excuse for the reporter/substitute anchor to ad-lib and hear himself talk.
Also, when these events happen they always go to the news conference held by the "authorities". Often there isn't much new said there. It's just a chance for the politicians to get in front of the microphone and say "I'd like to thank the governor for his support, the mayor, the police chief, and on and on..."
Where is the sense of REAL news reporting these days? I don't see the point of taking up air time just to hear the anchor and whatever guests they could dredge up on a moment's notice go on and on and on...
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