News at Ten - Weeknights on ITV1

I agree that it was covered well in the sense that Mark Austin is excellent on location but the majority of the reports were unquestioningly patrotic and shallow, especially considering the whole programme was devoted to it. Thelead story (I think) was emphasizing Harry the hero, and referring to the fighting in terms of the British responding to the Talibans attacks/onslaught. Contrast that to Channel 4's lead (followed up with a great interview from Snow)... in terms of quality the latter was streets ahead.

You're getting what you expect from both then. Hopefully News at Ten will be a bit more questioning about the whole situation then.


Not seen C4, but compared to the BBC Six o'clock News ITV was miles ahead - though as said it was wrong to exclude other news completely.

I thought the Evening News was excellent. Mark on location, in-depth reports, correspondents based at the different locations. Hopefully News at Ten will have the same amount of coverage, followed by the rest of the days news at 10:25 with the regional news following at 10:50.

C4 are taking the "why weren't we told, should the MOD be allowed to stop coverage" angle, quite rightly too.

Well done C4. This is the real story here:
Censorship of information, and
How the leak occurred.

It's a question which should be asked, but I think the answer is bloody obvious IMO. To protect Harry and more importantly, to protect the rest of his troop.

Really if C4 News were so concerned about censorship why didn't they break the story themselves rather than agreeing to the blackout?


He is still in Afghanistan, though in another area - but undoubtedly, along with the rest of his troops, is now more at risk now the story has broke due to some rogue elements of a rogue state.

A superb 30 minutes of uninterrupted, comprehensive journalism on News at Ten just now. The remaining half hour is for other news.

CNN aired ITV news special tonight.
I love the opening, music and the set. It all looks fab.

This is a ridiculous stance to take. We know why we weren't told...to protect both Harry and the troops around him, and I absolutely agree with this. Anyone who questions this needs their head examined.

You should question everything. You will sometimes come to the conclusion 'They did they right thing' which I think most people have in this case but that doesn't mean you/Channel 4 shouldn't raise the question.

From what I saw a great bulletin today - not only live with Mark for the main story, but also several lives in the other news too.


And a rather nice split screen graphic too for the live link ups from Kabul (how fortunate Mark was taking his holiday there! ). I really wish ITV would take these stings from News at Ten and use them as a basic to revamp the other ITV News bulletins.

mediaguardian - "News at Ten presenter Mark Austin's presence in Kabul when news broke of Prince Harry's military tour of Afghanistan was simply "exceptional good luck", ITV said today."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008/feb/29/royalsandthemedia.itv