Why do local news stations feel it necessary to send reporters to tsunami striken locations? That can't possibly help.

First rule of journalism: If it bleeds, it leads.

Sadly, people tune in to the carnage.

Yes, but... surely networks could plan this such that only a handful of reporters covered it for all the affiliates. At some point other considerations really should take priority.

surely networks could plan this such that only a handful of reporters covered it for all the affiliates.

Except for the whole being in competition with each other part.

surely networks could plan this such that only a handful of reporters covered it for all the affiliates.

Only a very few local stations are actually owned/controlled by their affiliated network. The rest are independently run (but within the confines of their agreement with the network) and are under no obligations to exercise restraint. Especially when it comes to disasters of any kind.

Except for the whole being in competition with each other part.

No I mean NBC has reporters for its affiliates, CBS for its affiliates, etc...

The rest are independently run (but within the confines of their agreement with the network) and are under no obligations to exercise restraint. Especially when it comes to disasters of any kind.

But wouldn't airing a tape supplied by the network cost a hell of a lot less than sending one of their own?

See, it's my idealistic side that ends up making me such a cynic.

No I mean NBC has reporters for its affiliates, CBS for its affiliates, etc...

They're still in competition with each other. You won't see Dan Rather sharing his stories with ABC or NBC; it's as if the other networks don't exist.

ETA:

But wouldn't airing a tape supplied by the network cost a hell of a lot less than sending one of their own?

But it doesn't make it personal to their viewing audience. A local reporter will move heaven and earth to find a subject which has local significance, i.e. a survivor from the area. Cost is no object when it means you win the ratings war.

You won't see Dan Rather sharing his stories with ABC or NBC

What am I not explaining clearly? Cause that's not what I'm saying.

I totally dug the Alias premiere. I loved the SO to the pilot mentioned above and I love the way it's like back to the old and yet all brand new. Oh, and I loved Marshall and the "Do you know Sloan's here", although I think he said it better.

What am I not explaining clearly? Cause that's not what I'm saying.

Sorry, I didn't mean to come across harshly. I'm not getting where Hec's competition remark fit in to your understanding.

Sorry, I didn't mean to come across harshly.

You didn't, don't worry. I'm just frustrated with my lack of ability to communicate my thoughts since you and Hec seemed to read me the same way. The 3 day headache isn't helping.