The Egyptian Conflict

      Breaking News is announced as Katie Couric previews the new headlining stories that will be covered throughout the news forecast. Four to five stories are introduced with one or two details to help engage the interest of viewers before it cuts to a commercial break. Several minutes later, the leading news anchor: Katie Couric begins to generally describe a story in an effort to provide some background knowledge for the population. Anything that has previously happened up to this point is mentioned, followed by a current update on the situation at hand. The stories are usually aided by visual effects such as maps, photographs, as well as videos to enhance the story as well as appeal to a more visual audience. In addition to this, the stories often contain specific examples of personal stories of people as well as personal interviews that give a deeper perspective on the events, and strengthen the news stations' credibility. This process is repeated throughout each new news story. After each big story is announced, smaller less crucial stories are reported.
      In the most recent news program, the leading anchor described a series of chaotic protests in Cairo, Egypt. Linking the protest to the similar street protests of Iran in 2009 helps provide viewers with a clear picture of the scene. Protestors consisting primarily of urban youth demand the removal of President Mubarack, and with the lack of Police in the area, imminent protests are likely to become out-of-control. Pictures are shown of the protest as well as several videos including one of a man being shot while running in the protest. Likewise, the program also details the reasons for the protest including the extremely large (eighteen million to be exact) population and the correspondingly low standard of living. It also describes the citizens' coping mechanisms-displaying several people with weapons and even showing an interview of a man: Machmoud Hamdy who has created a new weapon resembling a knife.
      The news show was very intriguing as well as informative. It is important to give some background knowledge when reporting on a story so that new viewers can be up to speed on the action. Thus, I appreciated the information regarding a similar incident that helped me better visualize what was occurring. It also makes for a creditable and engaging new story to provide video excerpts, and photography to capture the real essence of the incident. The interview of the man and his newly invented weapon as well as the video of the man being shot helped contribute to the seriousness of the Cairo protest. This news broadcast was delivered in a very organized fashion ranging from vague specifics mentioned before the commercial break, to more in-depth analysis of the protest as well as vital visual elements. Thus, it was an excellent news story because it included all of the essentials that make for a great news broadcast. Lastly, Katie Couric was engaging and helped deliver the particulars with eloquence.