A vast improvement on their old set -- and particularly the poky temporary set they've been in for weeks. I like the integration of the newsroom in the background, while having the wall of screens at the other end of the studio. It's flexible and easily adjustable for different needs and programs.
My main complaint is it's a bit dark -- but, then, US CNBC has gone down the same path too. And I think they could do with less 'busy' graphics on the various plasma/LCD screens around the studio -- they're too fast and distracting. I've also never been a huge fan of their obsession with using various multi-coloured images of buildings and mock skylines in the background -- although at least in this set, they're hidden around the back of the newsroom rather than being the main feature of the backdrop.
In terms of comparisons with its nearest competitor in the business TV landscape, I still prefer the original configuration of the Bloomberg London studio. But since that's been ruined by ugly printed blinds in the newsroom, and gaudy purple lighting on one side of set, CNBC London feels a bit more modern.
Has Squawk Box Europe lost the "Europe" from its on-air name now as well? The website would seem to indicate so. Strange, I can understand why they dropped "Europe" from the channel logo but its strange to have dropped it from the programme name - though I know CNBC Asia Squawk Box has always been just "Squawk Box" on air.
Has Squawk Box Europe lost the "Europe" from its on-air name now as well? The website would seem to indicate so. Strange, I can understand why they dropped "Europe" from the channel logo but its strange to have dropped it from the programme name - though I know CNBC Asia Squawk Box has always been just "Squawk Box" on air.
I hadn't picked up on that but, yes, it's just Squawk Box now. This could tie in with the fact that the last two of three hours now have their own sub-brands. The second hour, leading into the market open, is titled 'Squawk Pre-trade', and the third hour, with European markets open, is called 'Squawk Real Time'.
Seems a bit silly to me, and I'm not sure it'll last all that long. I would have thought the 'Squawk Box' name is pretty strong for CNBC.
RIP indeed. Seems so strange that he was still presenting on CNBC - and seeing the video of him a couple of weeks ago in his last show with Erin Burnett makes it all seem very shocking.
Sad news, only saw him on Morning Joe the other morning. Seemed very much to know his facts and understand the industry. Sadly I never got to see him on CNBC itself. My sympathies for his family and colleagues.
I guess this leaves Squark on the Street without anchors, now?
Sad news, only saw him on Morning Joe the other morning. Seemed very much to know his facts and understand the industry. Sadly I never got to see him on CNBC itself. My sympathies for his family and colleagues.
I guess this leaves Squark on the Street without anchors, now?
CNBC Europe ex-pat Simon Hobbes was anchoring this week along with Michelle Cabruso-Carrera.
Long time CNBC Squawk Box anchor Mark Haines has died today, RIP.
Squawk on the Street today was a tribute to him, presented by the current Squawk Box team.
That is sad news. As a somewhat geeky teenager, I sometimes found myself watching CNBC during school holidays. Despite not really having much of an interest in the US financial markets, Squawk Box always seemed to be very watchable television - the banter between Joe Kernen and David Faber, held together by Haines made for quite an interesting (and entertaining) show. He seemed like a natural broadcaster - serious when he needed to be, or being light-hearted when it fitted.
FYI - CNBC aired an hour long retrospective on the life of Mark Haines during the week, and this is available to watch in full
on their website
.
I've always thought Haines was one of the best business news presenters out there. Unlike many in the industry, he wasn't a vacuous talking head. He didn't dumb things down. Sure, he could have fun, but only as a complement to 'the story' rather than a substitute for it. His craft was to keep viewers informed in an engaging way. As a CNBC viewer, I know he'll be sorely missed.
Carl Quintanilla has succeeded Mark Haines on Squark on the Street, with Andrew Ross Sorkin (New York Times reporter and columnist, and author of 'Too Big to Fail') replacing him on Squark Box. Meanwhile Melissa Lee has replaced Erin Burnett.