Could the NC also keep some overseas location presenting, without using their budget, if they simulcast with World News using a World News presenter, as has happened before during major foreign stories?
There is the issue that having an anchor on site for a major breaking news story allows the local correspondent to go away and prepare original film coverage or recordings of the story and interview witnesses rather than having to constantly update the two news channels and the radio stations as well.
One thing I've noticed here in the US is that when the anchors are on the ground they typically get the big interviews with the key people affected by such events. They also may give it a personal touch as to what they've seen and something to give hope such as the community rallying together or inspiration
Additionally like you said it allows the correspondents on the ground to focus on the different aspects (such as reporting from the hospital, police HQ, memorials and the local government). I'm thinking back to things like the Pulse Nightclub Shooting in Orlando - almost every anchor was at the site of the shooting doing their broadcasts with correspondents from their Miami bureau and others flown in spread out across the city and region.
Edit
: I know the article is talking about the BBC flying anchors overseas but I thought I'd mention what happens in the US. As you know it's a large country and most networks have bureaus where correspondents are station in New York, Washington, Dallas, Chicago, Miami and Los Angeles. Additionally when something major happens the network may get a quick interview, simulcast or just take video from the local affiliates in the region before they can go on scene. However when a big story breaks the affiliates are likely overwhelmed and devoting all their resources to the story as well. They may not be able to help the network more than providing workspace and video.
Last edited by Rkolsen on 17 October 2016 6:27am
