TV 'breaking news' reports sound urgent because of coaching help

[Sherman A1]

There's a reason local television newscasts tend to sound similarly breathless, say those who ponder these things.

A major California consulting firm, SmithGeiger, advises its broadcast news clients to inject urgency into news reporting with a set of proven phrases, according to broadcast writing coach Mervin Block.

The phrases, he said, include these:

We begin with breaking news tonight.
This story is rapidly changing.
You saw it here first just minutes ago.
Take a live look behind me.

http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/TV-breaking-news-reports-sound-urgent-because-4645091.php

[JI7]

1. sounds like CNN, they seem to have constant "breaking news"

these days.

[Sherman A1]

2. Apparently they all read from the same

"breaking news, this just in" playbook...............

I guess it's hardly a surprise, "but first we must pause for this 55 minute commercial break, then we will be back with 5 minutes of pseudo news for this hour."

[dipsydoodle]

3. Take a live look behind me ?

Has he/she got a tail ?

I have noticed that your news presentation differs considerably from here in the UK.

[East Coast Pirate]

4. It's a clown show.

[Ilsa]

5. I can not tell the difference between

Tv journalism and tv drama any more. And that's why I rarely watch it anymore.

[Fumesucker]

6. The drama is better written n/t

[BadgerKid]

7. Reminds me...

"How did this all get started, Colin?"

[Sherman A1]

8. Great!

[pinboy3niner]

9. LOL!

Their Mission Improbable improvs were hilarious, too (usually featuring Colin and Ryan). "The cat!"