Reviewing the Libby indictment coverage…
Hal Boedeker of the Orlando Sentinel writes about yesterday’s Libby indictment coverage (and throws a chop block at CNN’s The Situation Room)…
A lot of the commentary fell into predictably partisan ruts. On MSNBC, conservative Pat Buchanan saw good news because Rove wasn’t indicted and praised Bush’s comments on Libby as brilliant. On CNN, Clinton administration veteran Paul Begala said Bush needed to say more before hopping on a chopper to Camp David.
Fox News provided a nasty flashback to the 2004 presidential campaign. After an anchor read Sen. John Kerry’s criticism of White House corruption, Republican strategist Ed Rollins called the Democrat “a sore loser.”For viewers seeking peppy talk, MSNBC was the destination. Chris Matthews and Dan Abrams carried on a free-wheeling conversation about what’s ahead for Libby. At least their tea leaves had zest.
CNN was hard to watch because Wolf Blitzer has to compete with all those screens in The Situation Room. But CNN’s coverage benefited from the smart commentary of Jeffrey Toobin and Jeff Greenfield. In explaining the story’s fascination, Greenfield traced the phenomenon to the courts of England.
“The most exciting story for any journalist is when the king is wounded,” Greenfield said. “That’s the only conversation that takes place. And in response to that, what a leader does, particularly in this world of 24-hour news and the instant communication of images and analysis of those images, is significant. I’m old-fashioned enough to think that the substance of what’s going on may just actually be more important. Were there crimes committed? If so, what kind were they?”
How many people have to say it? The Situation Room with all it’s SCREENS in the background, not split screens during breaking news, but SCREENS ON THE SET that overpower Wolf BLitzer, suck.
Comment by anonymous — October 29, 2005 @ 10:33 am
TSR rocks! Everyone hates it because its different. For some reason people hates the things that break the mold they are so used to.
Comment by John — October 29, 2005 @ 10:34 am
Very true. And by them having special editions of TSR doesn’t help. They put all this energy into TSR and making a big deal out of the set. It sucks, and so does he. They need to use YOUNGER people for new shows. They already have enough 50,60,70 year olds and look at the ratings. You can put Wolf on any kind of set you want, out in the Atlantic if you wish. But, he’s still Wolf Blitzer, and doesn’t exactly get anyone excited. I can just see the new viewers they might have acquired from Hurricane coverage hauling ass when they hear “Your in the situation room”.
Comment by Terance — October 29, 2005 @ 10:38 am
Of course John thinks the Situation Room “rocks”…he also think there’s an official language in the United States. Let’s be sure to set the bar real real low for John and any future comments he makes out here.
Comment by Ms. Anonymous — October 29, 2005 @ 10:42 am
Sorry…but you old timers don’t know what’s cool. And TSR is the future….big screens….internet reporters…..it’s just so “hip” and I know I’m not the only college student that try to catch it between classes.
Comment by reader — October 29, 2005 @ 3:11 pm
Look at the ratings….it’s the only CNN show that can sometimes beat FNC’s P25 numbers on a routine news day. It’s just really eye-grabbing….and compared to the single screen look, it’s just so dynamic!!! I’m addicted!
Comment by reader — October 29, 2005 @ 3:18 pm
I’m 32. Now, Wolf on the other hand has to be 50-60…
Comment by Terance — October 29, 2005 @ 3:21 pm
Reader - Take a look at the ratings again. TSR has beaten fox a handful of times in the 25-54 demo since its launch, and it’s been on breaking news days. If that is the only thing CNN has to lead a cheer over, then it’s a pretty sad day for them.
Comment by ITK — October 29, 2005 @ 4:57 pm
I guess I am one of the “oldies” since I am Wolf’s age! However, I was just thinking this week that I was starting to like TSR! At the beginning I thought Wolf had bitten off more than he could chew!
Comment by jan — October 29, 2005 @ 6:22 pm
ITK…sorry I guessI thought I read that some of those days were just routine days….but I’m telling you guys….younger viewers under 30 are attracted to the format of this show. And FNC knows it because they have started to emulate…I know they used multi-screens in the passed…but you have to admit they are using it more often and more screens at a time.
Comment by reader — October 30, 2005 @ 10:14 am
I do like parts of TSR, like Zain Verjee, and the blog segment. I just don’t care for Wolf Blitzer or Jack Cafferty. It was more watchable when Kyra hosted it. The idea isn’t that bad, its just the host…
Comment by Terance — October 30, 2005 @ 10:18 am
ahh…terance so you watch the NEWS for the eye candy huh? If that’s the reason you watch, you are watching for the wrong reason. I don’t care who is giving me the information, just give it to me and leave opinions, commentary and debate out of it.
Comment by Anon — October 30, 2005 @ 11:34 am
Not exactly. I’d prefer the women to be somewhat attractive. But, if their delivery, interviewing, and ad libbing skills suck, I don’t care if their playboy material, i’m switching the channel at a rapid pace. I also watch plenty of guys, and i’m not gay.
Comment by Terance — October 30, 2005 @ 11:59 am