Irma Television Coverage Rating: D
 

Am I the only one who thinks the coverage of the hurricane is not very good or informative? Who wants to see a guy soaking wet standing in the street and calling other people idiots for being out in the storm? And, the inside reporters act as if they are being paid by the word by pounding you with more information than you can possibly comprehend, and every other sentence is "this is a very big storm". And, whenever the Governor comes on with a live update, I turn off the television because he is just plain boring and repetitive. Just give me clear and concise information that I need to deal with the storm. OK, I'm done and I'll have another beer.

We have switched to CNN and I think they have the best storm reporters. I understand Chad Myers parents are residents of The Villages.

We gave up on Cable because I think they are really trying to frighten everyone, the more dramatic the better. We have switched to either 2 or 6 and the coverage is excellent. Showing minute by minute what is happening in our area and nothing else .... all good.

Chris Cuomo keeps looking down the block for storm surge. We're patiently waiting with him [emoji6]

No, you're not the only one who thinks that the storm coverage is useful just seeing reporters soaking wet in this areas. I'm missing very clear updates, including the tornado which is reported (5:34 pm) moving toward our area, west of Orlando.

Creating hysteria is what the media is good at - it creates more viewers.

There isn't much you can say when you have a mike and you are talking about a history making storm. It is on all of our minds and nothing much changes minute by minute or even hour by hour. I think Governor Scott has done a good job making it clear this is a serious matter and that water surge can kill and remaining in a modular home isn't good either. I think he comes off as genuine and caring. Beats the heck out of Chris Christie who said something like if you don't get out you may die and it will be your fault. Which really is the truth. I think people have taken Governor Scott seriously and have evacuated.

Whatever works is the important thing and better to be over prepared. We haven't reached the bad part yet.

It's more about being the story instead of reporting.

Regardless of the broadcast station, the reporter, social media websites, weather websites NONE OF IT gives this snowbird any sense of comfort in all that is being endured by Floridians and my manufactured home! Nonetheless, am grateful that I have so many multiple resources with which to remain current. If and when I can get up off of my knees from prayer I will face whatever must be done. I dread the thought of joining the travelers on their reverse drives back to Florida if we have to deal with anything there personally! Prayers for all of us - the near and the far.

Does he ever take time off?

I kind of like the Governor. I feel like he's done a good job and communicates well. He repeats but sometimes people (like me) need to hear it 5 times.

Oh, and that thing with all the colored buttons-- we have one of those and I should have used it.

If you use several news sources, Orlando ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX along with CNN , FOX, and The Weather Channel you will get up to the minute data and information. We've been going back and forth between channels all day, and I think we are as up to date as possible.

I personally think Rick Scott has done a fantastic job in his handling of this UNPRECEDENTED hurricane. Yes, he repeats but keep in mind the repetitions are going out to different areas of the state. You are only getting the impression of constant repeating because the cable channels cover him each time he speaks. Brighthouse/Spectrum coverage today on News 13 has been outstanding and it has included all the tornado alerts. Weather Channel has been so-so along with CNN, Fox, etc.

Terrible
 

I really think the reporting is generally terrible. The reporters act "manic", yell out the information and keep repeating the same thing over and over. A more calm, less manic attitudes and incremental information would do the trick. You can't watch the reporting without fighting to avoid being manic with them. Remember when you lived up north and they first reported the true temp and then converted it to wind factor and it moved from 20 degrees below zero to 40. It looks like in Florida they have replaced wind factor with "surges". Once they say there will be a surge then go to the next subject that imparts information to the other listener's . Oh well..they are trying and this is their time to "take control".:rant-rave:

The sad thing is, there are a lot of fellow citizens who just don't pay attention until it's too late or still think they're "immortal". For that, the media does help. But, I agree with you about the the hysterical hype. It's the old "if it bleeds, it leads" media philosophy and the race to secure future watchers who will "trust" you because they followed your coverage.

As CNM so adroitly posted, you have control over who you watch and who you believe. For me, my eyes, cameras, and local Wunderground station are giving me all the local info I need and I can tell you that it does vary from what I'm seeing on TV. Stay safe.

Im watching a reporter im Miami pointing out glass panels that fell 85 floors, then he pans over to flooded streets,
and the amazing thing there is no rain or wind and the
buildings behind him are all well lit, but he is talking about all the people without power....this stuff is manic reporting at its finest!
Not to make this political, but is this "Fake news"?

I turned it off for about 3 hours this afternoon and felt much better......now I am watching and stress starts... where is the cartoon channel?? I need some rocky and Bullwinkle.

Millions without electricity, per the power companies...and you're asking if it's "fake news?"

Really? :ohdear:

Hurricane Irma: 5 million without power in Florida
As far as momentary lapses in rain/wind, that's normal and is the reason they're called...'bands.'

Please give us a break...we were talking about the
reporting being over the top.
And are well aware of the hardships many are enduring!

I gave up TV yesterday and just started checking the Weather Channel's hourly forecast page for 32162. It's all text; no yammering videos.

The predicted wind speeds for peak Irma at 2am have decreased from the low 80s yesterday to 75 this morning to 64 as of now. That's a bit calming.

Sure some of the coverage seems superficial but we are thankful to Channel 9, Orlando News, Weather, and Sports | WFTV for very good local coverage.

Our daughter, who lives in Sydney, AU has been watching channel 9 live (at work and at home). It is EXTREMELY COMFORTING for both her and for us.

Helps keep all the other coverage in perspective.

Don

Between Channels 2, 9 and 35 (right now 6 is down on Directv), I agree that Channel 9 is giving the best info.

It looks like The Weather Channel is trying to appeal to a national audience vs keeping Floridians informed. They keep showing Tampa Bay dry and events that have already occurred instead of forecasts.

I find that Channel 9 WFTV provides excellent coverage. Tom Terry is the meteorologist and he provides excellent analysis. Much of it is original and his reporting provides separate information on each area.