I'm getting a feel that the police are pushing news out much faster than is usual in the current investigation about the bombings.

Whilst appreciating that news stations need lots of news to keep them happy, I'm concerned that information is coming out of the investigation rather 'unchecked' - like with regards to the Stockwell Shooting - and that the apparent large volume of information being given to the media is actually MORE likely to increase confusion and create a climate of FUD in which conspiracy stories and emotive language from the media (e.g. talk of 'Execution') flourishes.

It also goes against the 'business as usual' message from the Government and London Council.

Whilst news flashes and warnings about situations that are happening right now - e.g. another bombing or a shooting - are needed they could perhaps be couched in neutral langauge and then a nightly press conference given when the FACTS are handed over. Of course, people might start whining about 'cover up'.....

Or do we all get vicarious thrills from the reporting?

Joe

I think that their open approach is a positive thing.

Nice to be informed, even if some of the news is unconfimed.

I think it's about time our 'news' was regulated.

The utter rubbish they broadcast because some journalist has got the wrong end of the stick causes more harm than good, induces panic, and emotionally scars those actually involved or close to the victims.

They never choose a middle-of-the-road description when an overdramatisation to outstrip Eastenders can be reincarnated from the script for something far more gruesome.

They were positively drooling over the 7/7 events.

Nice to see so many interviewees slapping them down though :D

I've noticed that the UK's 24 hour news channels are getting even more 'tabloidy' than normal and it does feel like the 'breaking news' banner at the bottom contains any old rubbish they've picked up just to keep the viewers.

It was nice, however, to see the sympathy given by the French PM on the news tonight. France are our closest neighbours and we really need to establish a warmer relationship with them.

On the other hand

An interesting analysis would be the bombings of 7/7 where the Beeb seemed to adopt a somewhat different policy from other new channels.

The Beeb were sticking to 'official' numbers of 2 dead on the number 30 bus when all other new channels such as ITN, Sky etc were reporting more accurate accounts of eye witnesses.

In addition to the casualty numbers the Beeb was also sticking to the 'power surge' story until well after other broadcasters were identifying explosions.

I'm not sure about others, but I'm not going to hang around waiting for 'official facts', as well as the fact that those facts might be manipulated to suit an official agenda it's just too slow.

I'm of the opinion that people will desert the Beeb in their droves if they plan on sticking to that policy.

Originally posted by Lickszz
An interesting analysis would be the bombings of 7/7 where the Beeb seemed to adopt a somewhat different policy from other new channels.
I was nearly sick when they used the picture of human flesh pebbledashing a building as the snapshot for the headlines on the late news. They're trying to compete with Sky on their own level

How long will it be before they start using ogrish-style photos?

Do news channels and programmes have different broadcast regulations because it is factual news and not entertainment?