Maybe Jen is only back for a bit before going on leave for pre-planned break, but I think Candice’s comments answer any questions here.
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Major bushfires are raging across Los Angeles, some of the worst fires the region has seen in years, and at the time of writing, Katherine Firkin has no plans to head to LA to cover them.
Yes, she’s a freelancer and can choose what to cover, but as I’ve said many times before, Channel 10 really needs someone on the ground in America to cover major events like this. Dan Sutton is currently putting together a mega package, with 10 trying to lock in a cross with CBS.
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I hear you and it would be great to get that Australian perspective from a dedicated reporter but realistically they are obviously cash strapped and why would you keep someone full time on the payroll, ‘just in case’ when you can use freelancers and CBS resources and invest the money you save elsewhere.
Also, not sure of Katherine’s situation but sounds like a good time not to be traveling into LA (logistics would be a nightmare, I imagine), particularly when there are other people there they can use.
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Guess it’s lucky that 10 is broadcasting to Australia and not to LA.
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Why are 10 always exempt from criticism here?
The other Australian networks have people on the ground there. 10 don’t. It’s simply not good enough.
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CBS resources? Since the Viacom merger, the relationship between CBS and Channel 10 has soured, and the once-close affiliate partnership has effectively dissolved.
Previously, both networks collaborated closely, producing packages with respective sign-offs for CBS and 10. CBS even participated in Channel 10’s news editor meetings - a practice that ended years ago. Now, Channel 10 simply pulls CBS packages from shared affiliate portals, a far cry from the robust collaboration they once enjoyed when CBS first took over 10.
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Probably should’ve been sent over. He was one of the last proper US correspondents when they had the LA bureau.
Katherine hasn’t been that effective as a freelancer when you compare her to previous Eamon Ashton Atkinson and currently JP Gonzo in Europe.
She barely even voices reports and when she does the sign off doesn’t even indicate she’s in the US. She only adds “in New York” when the report is linked to that area.
This a huge story and really needs a reporter. Given they have CBS they can always base someone out of there if needed.
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Considering how many Australians live in California and across America, you’d think there would be a stronger push to have a crew on the ground covering one of the worst wildfires in history of Los Angeles.
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Agree. Seems @SA_TV doesn’t take to 10 copping criticism.
I don’t think they are exempt, they’re being criticized regularly. It’s part and parcel of this forum really.
But comparing them to the much bigger organisations of 7 & 9 isn’t a direct or fair comparison. The teams in those Bureaus and resources available to them is far greater.
Though I think it’s fair to question the effectiveness or necessity of having someone there covering this when there are other ways it can be handled, sure it would be nice to have, but does it really add that much more? I’m not sure.
What was the done thing before or what the others were doing, doesn’t automatically mean 10 should copy suit - when budgets are already paper thin as they are. Sounds like it’s being covered as best as they can using local and affiliate resources.
I have to agree with some comments about whether Kathrine is the best person for this role given some limitations, given how good and comprehensive Eammon was in the role previously, but 10 seem to be happy with how it’s working for them.
It wasn’t all that long ago they didn’t have correspondents in the UK & US, so we’ve got something at least now?
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Narelda mentioned that later there would be a cross to a reporter on the ground when there would be more coverage later.
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I thought the coverage tonight was great. On par with their competitors.
She’s a talented reporter, but she’s not the right fit for this role. Her current circumstances prevent her from covering major news events as freely and effectively as the position demands.
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Pippa struggling to read the news tonight. Looking off screen for help.
Returned from a package back to normal.
*Coughing