Papal resignation & conclave coverage

BBC Two joining BBC NC for a 30min special 1415.

GMT started with a prerecorded 'This was his life' piece which also seemed to cut short so as not to imply the man was dead.

Yes, it was unexpected so all the channels could really do is get people on the phone and cover it with archive. Even with a reporter in Rome it takes a while to get them ready to appear on air and there's actually not a lot going on there.

It's not even a great picture story, all the Vatican have put out is a press conference (in Italian/Latin) and a a bit of the Pope making his announcement.

As suspected, they're mobilising the big guns to Rome!

Jon Sopel and Karin Giannone for BBC World. Julie Etchingham for ITN. Sky - Jeremy perhaps?

I saw a tweet earlier suggesting it would be Colin Brazier.

They usually send one weekend and one weekday presenter, even if the story doesn't stretch to the weekend, that presenter will cover the daytime shift etc.

Edward Stourton once again behind a BBC Newsdesk, this time as a guest being interviewed by Ros Atkins on World.

Yeah Jeremy has been in Johannesburg, Colin Brazier was the main man there for Sky last time if memory serves.

Colin Brazier (I think?) is a Catholic so that might make sense. From when I've seen him reporting on religious news he definitely seems to be in the know about issues, especially relating to the Catholic Church.

Don't really see the need to send out presenters now - understandable in a couple of weeks to cover his leaving party and smokewatch, but until then it's a bit of a wasted journey surely.

Huw Edwards is in Rome for the 10.

I hope someone has advised him to do as the Romans do.