UTV News Flash

During 'Kelly', we have had a news-flash, something I (thankfully) haven't seen on television here for years.

A fire has broken out at a sub-station in Coleraine, Co Londonderry, so we have had Julian in serious and stern tones telling us that residents are being told to stay indoors and close windows.

The caption was just the UTV logo with 'News Flash' under it.

Yes, BBC One ran an aston at 2115... and a Police Message slide at 2130...

I certainly haven't seen a 'Police Message' caption for donkeys years - that would have taken me back.

Serves me right for watching 'Kelly', though to be fair the guests were interesting tonight (well, until Westlife came on).

The fire sounds extremely serious - hopefully this is only a precaution.

Yes... well done. Oh and BBC 2 NI then showed a Police Message Aston at 21:20... followed by a Police Message slide at 21:50 and an up to date BBC Newsline Update at 22:00.

Those BBC boys must be worn out!

It's what we're there for. Well, one of the things.

It's a great argument for live continuity. And remember that in the Nations, outside of hours where there is a staffed gallery, the already multi-skilled Continuity Director/Announcer will also become a news director to direct news reports as necessary should they be required.

Very good value for money you know.

I bet Julian didn't want to go through with that newsflash - the last time I remember him having to announce a newsflash was in September 2000 about incendiary devices being found in Belfast, and when I met him in 2001 he said he hated having to read the news/newsflashes.

Then again, if you had Letitia Fitzpatrick/Quinn or Tracey Magee popping up during Kelly, you'd think it was something quite serious indeed...