To suggest that the only possible "balance" is to interview his second in command because "it really damages our ability to kill people" is to take a ludicrously simplicity view of the world.
I never suggested anything of the kind, you've completely misinterpreted what I said.
Whilst obv I made up that quote for comic effect I am having difficulty interpreting the gist of your original post in any other way than "I think this bad person's death is a good thing, I do not see why 'fake balance' should be inserted."
Also I did not suggest that the various topics had not been covered by the news orgs, just that they were an opposing view to the obvious "gung ho" attitude of some US networks.
Whether or not it my brain melting or simply you being unclear I would very much welcome a dumbed down version / clarification of what you mean.
Theres a general agreement that his death is a good thing, those thinking it is a bad thing aren't necessarily conerned about the death itself but more what could happen as a result of it. That means most commentators on news channels are going to say its a good thing which is hard to counter simply because of our culture. If someone popped up to tell us how bad it is then they're going to need yet another person to balance that view to say how it's a lose lose situation because either way, there is still going to be war/terrorist activity surrounding the whole issue. Then it just turns into a dog chasing its tail and we're back to square one without providing any real balance other than asserting the initial view. "If there is going to be terrorism anyway, a Bin Laden-free world is still a better place".
Of course another way for it to be countered (if the channels want to be on the news themselves) is for an extremist to be interviewed, in which case the news channels will come under scrunity for allowing them to have airtime and not attempting to challenge their view to give the issue some balance, or if they were given airtime and challenged, then that defeats the whole purpose of allowing them on.
It's a very difficult issue to cover and potentially one that could change viewership loyalty. It is going to get criticised no matter what so the news channels seem to be playing it safe and going with the populist view and providing bits of analysis along the way.
I heard about this at lunchtime today. I only got the brief bulletin. As 'im indoors is about and taking over the remote ( i hate bank holidays as 'im indoors spoils my day off). From what I picked up from the bulletin he was killed last week before the royal wedding. Was there a news blackout about Bin Ladens death to prevent any unrest during the wedding.
BBCW had some interesting and refreshing comments from Abdul Bari (not sure about the rest of his name or spelling but he's a regular contributor for BBC). He talked about his personality since he met him, about the way the operation was done, the damage OSB caused to the west and in the end said laying him to rest in see is unislamic and not right.
DS
Dan S
BBC News Special with Lucy Hockings (I think) and Ben Brown simulcast on News Channel and World News
From what I picked up from the bulletin he was killed last week before the royal wedding. Was there a news blackout about Bin Ladens death to prevent any unrest during the wedding.
There were some reports that he was killed by a drone last week, and it's taken the US this long to identify his DNA, but Obama's statement seems to contradict in that he said that "today" he authorised the attack, and that it was solely a ground operation.
From what I picked up from the bulletin he was killed last week before the royal wedding. Was there a news blackout about Bin Ladens death to prevent any unrest during the wedding.
There were some reports that he was killed by a drone last week, and it's taken the US this long to identify his DNA, but Obama's statement seems to contradict in that he said that "today" he authorised the attack, and that it was solely a ground operation.
No wonder conspiracies have already started with that and an alleged sea burial.
Wouldn't this be a good opportunity to flag on screen 'Due to the continuing coverage of today's events, we cannot bring you news from your area. Please tune to your BBC local radio station for news & information.'
Osama Bin Laden said he planned the attacks of 9/11, and gave the order.
So what kind of balance are you seeking?
Claiming responsibility on YouTube/World media and being found guilty and sentenced for something are completely different - are you actually claiming them to be the same process?
Wouldn't this be a good opportunity to flag on screen 'Due to the continuing coverage of today's events, we cannot bring you news from your area. Please tune to your BBC local radio station for news & information.'
Or at least a regional bulletin *after* the rolling news came to an end on BBC One.
Maddening decision, given that those who couldn't cope without bin Laden news for the two minutes duration of a regional opt could have re-tuned to the News Channel anyway.