Hurricane Journalism

Carl Hiaasen describes some aspects of hurricane reporting for the novice and the veteran in this Miami Herald article. Worthy pointers include:

- Wear flimsy jacket
- Begin every broadcast with bent-over palm trees
- Maximize credibility by looking tired and weather-beaten
- Frequently say "storm surge"
- Broadcast video loop of residents boarding property
- Also frequently say "Conditions are deteriorating"

If choices have to be made, keep in mind the intrinsic aspect of hurricane reporting that is of paramount importance.

"Remember, your viewers' expectations are high. They've watched that big slow mother whorling across the Doppler for a week, and they've been primed for devastation on a biblical scale.

Take no chances. Proceed immediately to the nearest trailer park, being extra careful not to crash into other TV crews on the way."

To be pedigreed as a genuine hurricane news report, there must be a trailer park clip. There's more at the link.