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http://www.guardian.co.uk/discussion/co ... k/18674964" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;I've been in Machynlleth for the Guardian since Tuesday morning. The local people have been great – clearly deeply upset at what has happened but they have accepted that it is inevitable journalists will be here en masse. Their calmness and dignity have been hugely touching. Most appear to have wanted us here to get the message out that a little girl was missing and out there somewhere.
Few people have refused to speak to us, the cafes, hotels and pubs have been welcoming even when we've spread our laptops all over the place and driven regular customers away. Those that have been out searching have let us go along.
Most of the journalists I have seen at work have gone about their uncomfortable business with tact and discretion. I've had serious discussions with newspaper journalists - tabloid and broadsheet - about how we've done things. I feel there has been a good working relationship between the media and the people of the town.
Many reporters I've spoken to were aghast at how Kay Burley approached the situation. In her defence she does seems taken aback that they had not heard the grim news the police had just revealed. But, to my mind, she could have - and should have - halted the interview. Viewers would have understood.
It's become a media story. Things like this do in this 24-hour news cycle we're all stuck in.
But what was most striking for me was the reaction of the women. One apologised for sobbing and as she walked away checked that Burley had one of the pink ribbons that townspeople are wearing after an appeal by April's parents to show their solidarity by doing so. “Keep hope alive,” she said as she walked off camera. Moving, impressive.
I'll forget Burley's interview. I won't ever forget the dignity that people like those interviewees have shown this week.
Let's get this right, it's the 24-hour news cycle that's at fault here?smod wrote:From The Guardian's Steven Morris:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/discussion/co ... k/18674964" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;I've been in Machynlleth for the Guardian since Tuesday morning. The local people have been great – clearly deeply upset at what has happened but they have accepted that it is inevitable journalists will be here en masse. Their calmness and dignity have been hugely touching. Most appear to have wanted us here to get the message out that a little girl was missing and out there somewhere.
Few people have refused to speak to us, the cafes, hotels and pubs have been welcoming even when we've spread our laptops all over the place and driven regular customers away. Those that have been out searching have let us go along.
Most of the journalists I have seen at work have gone about their uncomfortable business with tact and discretion. I've had serious discussions with newspaper journalists - tabloid and broadsheet - about how we've done things. I feel there has been a good working relationship between the media and the people of the town.
Many reporters I've spoken to were aghast at how Kay Burley approached the situation. In her defence she does seems taken aback that they had not heard the grim news the police had just revealed. But, to my mind, she could have - and should have - halted the interview. Viewers would have understood.
It's become a media story. Things like this do in this 24-hour news cycle we're all stuck in.
But what was most striking for me was the reaction of the women. One apologised for sobbing and as she walked away checked that Burley had one of the pink ribbons that townspeople are wearing after an appeal by April's parents to show their solidarity by doing so. “Keep hope alive,” she said as she walked off camera. Moving, impressive.
I'll forget Burley's interview. I won't ever forget the dignity that people like those interviewees have shown this week.
To be fair and in being fair, Steven Morris cites the 24 hour news cycle - and by implication, rolling live output - as a contributory factor. Not for one moment would I expect him to condemn Burley when the main thrust of the piece is praising the stoic dignity of those that have found themselves thrust in to the limelight for the most appalling of reasons.Daley wrote:Let's get this right, it's the 24-hour news cycle that's at fault here?
Sky News’ Kay Burley and LBC’s James O’Brien sparred after the latter criticised John Humphrys’ interview with Theresa May on the BBC’s Today programme this morning.
I'm calling conscience on this one.
- By youngian
- By Watchman