TV News Readers

[whiskeryron]

In these days of job cuts can someone explain to me when we watch the news on TV why there are usually 2 persons taking turns to read the latest news from a prompter, after all it's not exactly rocket science is it ?

[TTG]

I agree and maybe review why they are paid 100k+

[rov1100]

Yes doesn't make sense. Also when they are trying to converse to each other after the break which looks totally false

[AB Editor]

Hi Ron,

I recently watched the news in a different area of the UK to my homeland - where there was only one presenter.

For some reason, without there being a duo it felt quiet "cheap" and less engaging.

I imagine it is easier to be engaged with the duo because you've not only got the news narrative, but also the interactions between them adding a more human and "friendly" element.

I felt like I was being "Told" when there was one presenter, and like I was overhearing something interesting with the duo.

All the best,

Spare Ed

[LoftyLottie]

Yep, I agree Spare. Actually Bill Turnbull and his female partner (name escapes me at the moment) each morning on BBC1 get my day off to a good start. I don't like newscoverage by those newsreaders who stand up either. What is that all about.

Koode I think Ron's avatar is Sean Connery!!

[chelle7272]

Yes LL i'm a fan of Bill and Sian too and agree with Ed that itdoes make the programme more viewer friendly.

[woofgang]

Bill and Sian (James) are my faves...really good at what they do, engaged intelligent and funny.
Did anyone see the struggle they had with Seb Coe Yesterday?

[chelle7272]

No missed it woof what happened?

[LoftyLottie]

Sian, that's it! Thanks

Missed them yesterday.

They really work together. A nice peaceful pair to with lovely humour.

I can't stand the presenters on ITV!!!!

[LoftyLottie]

I have never liked Seb Coe!!

[chelle7272]

Nor me LL, wouldn't even consider watching it, especially since they employed the awful Adrian Chiles.

[LoftyLottie]

Dare I say that I liked Adrian Chiles on the One Show.

But still won't watch ITV.

BBC seem to get things right with their news presenting and the female presenters are dressed more suitably and don't flash their boobies etc!!

ITV morning television is dreadful.

[jackthehat]

Hmmmmmmm................I thought I preferred 'old-style' news for exactly the reasons Ed mentions, but I've sat and ruminated and I think whilst Angela Rippon, Jan Leeming, Kenneth Kendal et al carried more authority or gravitas to their news-reading, there was an air of being 'told' and it felt exclusive.
However, in trying to be 'inclusive' some news-readers now impart a cringe-worthy and false bonhomie which irks me.
Although I don't watch it often, I think the Channel 4 evening news programme has it about right.
The BBC Breakfast programme, especially when presented by Bill and Sian or Kate Silverton is by far and away the best of the morning 'magazine-type' programmes.

[LoftyLottie]

Channel 4 evening news is excellent, I agree JTH.

[woofgang]

I used to like Adrain Chiles but then he seemed to let his fame go to his head...

[LoftyLottie]

Yep Bill and Sian are gentle enough for me in the morning - not my best time of day. They maintain professionality whilst still being down to earth and human.

[anneasquith]

i dont waste my time watching tv in am. too many " personalities" i just want news not smiley happy people.

[Joolee1980]

There is no need for it, we only think it's normal and acceptable because we've got so used to it. There was nothing actually wrong with the old style - no-one at the time stood up and said "I feel too much like I'm being told!" And anyway, what's wrong with that? Why do we feel the need to "engage" on some vague level? It's bad enough that we get the now obligatory "Email, text or tweet us what YOU think." - cue the proles drivelling on just so they can get read out.

So far people here seem to like the BBC Breakfast pair but I find them annoyingly bland. But maybe people prefer anodyne soft gentle blandness that early in the morning. I can't bear the way one has to look all alertly at the other as they 'share' their lines. And then the little "Oh, Bill" moments - pass me the sick bucket.

I think the reason we now expect a nice man and lady to "engage" us in the news is possibly the same reason we now get travel and wildlife stuff spoon-fed to us like baby food by various celebs - Saving the White Rhino with That Bloke Off the Telly, etc. We can't accept informational or current affairs stuff anymore unless it comes from the faces of nice smiling couples or people out of soaps.

[whiskeryron]

A/B Ed,I still think that it's OTT to employ 2 to read the news out, if the Company bosses want to get in touch with me I'll do it for 1/2 of one newsreader's wage. ( Scab tehe)Ron.

[cazzz1975]

a lot of presenting jobs seem to be done in pairs these days, I suppose its so they can time it all properly and not have any awkward silences