Ellen MacArthur's return

ITV News say there is a special programme scheduled for 22:00 Wednesday night - containing EXCLUSIVE behind the scenes footage and onboard interviews.

I wonder if ITV really do have this as an exclusive because i'm sure I remember the BBC making similar claims earlier in the week.

A question and a comment.

question: Why has she *immediately* been made a Dame, wouldn't that normally be announced in this year's new year's honours (ie. Dec 31) - is there a precedent?

and the comment: I note of the usual 3 channels, News 24 are currently the only ones who have shown full (or indeed any) coverage of the return of the coffins of the dead servicemen on the Hercules to RAF Lyneham. Sky + the ITVNC are both taking MacArthur's press conference since about 13.58 (Sky dropped out of an ad break to go to it).

Both Sky and ITV News were live at RAF Lyneham earlier in the hour.

Ah. I stand slightly correctly then. I like the effort 24 have made with the graphics, commentary and so on.

I have to say kudos to the BBC. Todays coverage of Ellen MacArthurs return was superb. Sian Williams, Chris Eakin, not to mention a whole host of network and News 24 reporters. Much better than Sky or ITVNC who at one point were showing the empty news conference stage while BBC News had Robert Hall in a small craft by the side of Ellen's boat trying to get an interview. Not to mention the correspondent (cant remember his name) on the HMS Severn. Proves the BBC can make an effort and bring the 'Big Guns' out.


Anyone agree

The thing is though, it's not about bringing the "big guns" out, it's about whether it's appropriate and necessary to cover the story with so many journalists and to give so much coverage to the story, when clearly many people on here feel it only justifies the sort of "and finally" coverage.

Hmm, off the top of my head, getting a private pilots license aged 17 and getting 16 GCSEs at grades A and B, but not that I brag those facts alot!

About the 'blowing up' of people, well forgive me, but that is REAL news! On the day that a peace agreement is declared in the middle east which *may* end the interfada and bring some hope of lasting peace in the middle east and when some woman arrives back in port after choosing to sail around the world, I think I know whats more important news item in the long term!

This has got nothing to do about being anti-british or bashing other peoples achievements. I said earlier its great that shes done this, good for her, i have respect for what shes done, but the media response has been ridiculous. No-one I know goes sailing or has any interest in the sport, yet this 'achievement' is being heralded like some major event that the whole country must respect and revel in! She is certainly not in my opinion a 'hero', she put herself in 'danger' for her own self publicity and fame (and to line the pockets of B&Q shareholders!).

Breaking the record means nothing, it effects no-one except the Guiness Book Of Records readers. The real achievements are the scientific breakthroughs that are happening in genetics for example. These real achievements will effect the lives of many people for years to come, yet are hardly covered on the news.

Westcountry Live with Richard Bath live in Falmouth will be simulcast on the ITV News Channel at 6pm

Don't particularly agree - I have been watching since 9:15 this morning and I believe that all news organisations had reporters on HMS Severn. Also all organisations seemed to have someone in a small boat sailing next to the main MacArthur vessel attempting to get an interview. Mark Austin did speak to her live and also Adrian Britton(and someone else) attempted to speak to her live but technology failed!

I will re-iterate that all channels supplied good coverage. The BBC simulcast some coverage on BBC1, ITV droppped in and out of coverage during This Morning and also extended the lunchtime news to one hour. SKY¦News had continuous coverage and also has Tony Blair in a smaller split screen thingy talking about immigration.

Top marks all round!

Not absolutely sure but I think that honours can be given to people at any time. It's the Queen's decision so she can honour people whenever she pleases.

People are usually honoured 'in batches' at specific times during the year (eg New Year's, Queen's birthday etc) for practical reasons, and because it is for prolonged service rather than any one event.

I think the England rugby team were honoured soon after the World Cup were they not?

She hasn't been made a dame yet. As Alastair Stewart explained on the ITV News Channel earlier (they were the first to break the news btw!) it works that Tony Blair recommends a list of people to The Queen to become part of the British Empire. The Queen then has to decide which people from the list she actually wants to become part of The Empire and then eventually if selected will become a Dame. People Tony Blair recommend usually get their knighthoods etc.

What a load of rot! We are all part of the British Empire - I think you mean becoming a member of the Order of the British Empire. Ellen will be a Dame of the British Empire.

I'm also sure that people don't have to be on lists and can be, in exceptional circumstances like this one, be honoured immediately.