Cyclone Debbie coverage: Former Sunrise EP explains that ‘morning shows live for big stories like this’

TV REPORTERS copped a battering on social media yesterday for seemingly risking their lives to cover Cyclone Debbie. But a TV insider reveals why it was worth it.

REPORTERS from the major TV networks copped a battering on social media yesterday for seemingly risking their lives to cover Cyclone Debbie.

Spread all over Queensland, the reporters spent hours on TV yesterday warning members of the public not to go outside because it was too dangerous — even though they themselves were positioned outside amid the destructive winds and flying debris.

So why do the TV networks go to such extreme lengths to position their reporters as close to the cyclone as possible?

“The morning shows live for big stories like this,” former Sunrise executive producer Adam Boland told news.com.au.

“And while some may ridicule the coverage, ratings go through the roof. We know that people switch regularly during breaking news — so the way to keep the audience is to ensure best pictures. You can’t guarantee best pictures unless you have multiple crews in the field.”

Boland, who was at the helm of the Channel Seven breakfast show for eight years, said the reporters aren’t actually in as much danger as you’d think.

“Despite how it looks, safety precautions are taken,” he said.

“The reporters and crews always have a safety contingency and are never far from solid shelter. Some of it is illusion value. That’s not to say there isn’t the odd reporter who pushes things too far. That’s not actively encouraged.”

If anyone's going to be killed by Cyclone Debbie it's a reporter standing outside telling people not to stand outside. #oxymorons

— Dan Anstey (@Dan_Anstey) March 28, 2017

My twitter feed is full of pictures of a channel 7 news reporter looking ridiculous standing outside in the middle of Cyclone Debbie pic.twitter.com/TojgPh6uHW

— Georgia Emily 🥀 (@Georgia_Emily98) March 28, 2017

Reporter to person outside during Cyclone Debbie: "Why are you outside risking your life?"
Next scene: Reporter outside risking life. 🤔🤔🤔

— Sam D (@SamDickfos) March 28, 2017

Looking forward to the new commercial TV innovation where they actually send a reporter into the eye of the cyclone attached to a rope.

— Rick Morton (@SquigglyRick) March 28, 2017

As hectic as it might be for the reporters on the scene, you can guarantee that the environment back in the TV control room is just as intense as producers scramble to provide the best coverage.

“The control rooms come to life during stories such as this,” Boland said.

“It’s a roller coaster because you have to be flexible enough to go to whatever is in front of you. Run-downs get thrown out. There’s lots of shouting especially if the opposition has something better. The breakfast show producers are exceptionally good at live breaking news. Sadly, given some recent global events, they’ve had plenty of practice.”

And the producers use some sneaky tricks to make it look like they’re covering the cyclone in a more comprehensive manner than their rivals.

“Producers often joke about how many reporter boxes we can fit on a screen,” Boland said.

“There was a time when it was conventional to just have what we call two-way graphic boxes where you have the studio anchor on the left and reporter in the field on the right. I remember once asking my director to set up for six-way boxes and was laughed out of town. These days, I’ve seen nine-way boxes!

“Some of that is just the theatre of television. ‘Team coverage’ looks dramatic. Sometimes, the reporters in the boxes aren’t even live. They’ve simply been prerecorded and had their faces inserted to make things look more comprehensive. Nothing wrong with a bit of theatre.”

The stars of the cyclone Debbie coverage yesterday weren’t the breakfast show’s hosts, but rather the Queensland locals who were interviewed across the day.

In a rather memorable interview, a local told a Channel Seven reporter: “I’ve finally met Debbie. I’ve heard about Debbie doing other things, but now she’s giving Bowen a blow job”.

One chance on TV... its your moment mate, make your family, friends and town proud... 😞😞😱😱 #CycloneDebbie pic.twitter.com/G9xeooh6nZ

— Chris White (@ytboy7) March 28, 2017

It probably wasn’t exactly what the Channel Seven reporter was hoping for, but Boland said these short interviews are just as important as decent pictures.

“There’s a craving for information and personal insights and stories,” he said.

“Fortunately, North Queenslanders know how to tell a yarn and usually don’t mind sharing their stories. Basically, talkback radio meets television and it actually makes for really good content.”

And producers go to extreme lengths to secure good talent.

“I remember we once called every person in a small town until someone agreed to talk on TV,” Boland recalled.

Whereas as reporters spent yesterday getting pelted with rain and battling fierce winds, viewers couldn’t help but notice that the main hosts of each breakfast show were positioned in far safer locations.

“The anchors get sent to where we think there will be the most interview talent to speak to - in terms of both relevancy and quantity,” Boland explained.

“Remember, there’s a lot of airtime to fill. A story like this will go on for a few days, so it’s important to get your key people in before roads and airports are closed. That will be the scene of the biggest story for the next few days so it’s logical to have the show anchors in position.

“Remember, the anchors have all been reporters. They’re actually usually best at reporting news so their audiences have a real connection with them. It’s not simply a stunt. The anchors often have to present breaking news without scripts so it helps if they are on location and can see things for themselves.”

David Koch reporting on Cyclone Debbie. Picture: Sunrise