Somalian Pirates Attack and Kill Four Americans

Katie Couric the leading news anchor briefly discusses the three most urgent stories presently. Immediately following this, Couric leads into the major story of the evening: four Americans killed by Somali Pirates. A map is projected on the screen displaying the whereabouts of the four Americans, as well as the location their yacht was hijacked. Pictures of the four also appear on the screen personalizing this story for all the people watching. One man reports from the Pentagon on the issue, explaining in detail the four Us Navy ships shadowing the Yacht the moment the nineteen Pirates entered and hijacked the ship. The individual commenter goes onto describe the events following, and the tragic outcome. As viewers process this shocking news, a personal relative of one of the four Americans onboard the yacht comments on her opinion of the situation, which is quickly aided by the usual generic anchor voice of a man describing more in-depth information on the situation at-hand. Visuals including: pictures of the four Us Navy ships involved, as well animated graphics which replicate the actual event to a tee are also provided. Additionally, We hear another voice account from one of the Commanders of the fifth fleet, as well as graphics, and captions to ensure the complete understanding of this man’s description of the scene.

The story mainly consists of two individual commenter’s: Couric, and the National Security Correspondent: David Martin. The pair provides most of the stories details, as well as answer many relevant questions spectators are likely to inquire when watching the newscast. Despite the fact that the two people listed above cover the majority of the newscast, there are two other sources that contribute to the newscast. This includes: one of the relatives of the four Americans killed: Nina Crossland who gives a personal testimony of the situation. Finally, we hear a voice only account by Vice Administrator Mark Fox-the commander of the fifth fleet who provides an eerie perspective; which is supplemented with the animated depiction of the attempt to gain control of the ship, (courtesy of the US Navy) as well as the imminent deaths of the four victims.

The story was thoroughly laid out. With less time given to the same generic male voice used throughout most newscasts, it increased the credibility of the story because the audience was able to see who was speaking, and was notified of the person’s background. Thus, instead of wondering who the voice behind the camera was, and questioning where this person got their facts, one is able to feel a sense of satisfaction when they can actually see all the people talking throughout the program, and know that the information is accurate because it comes from a credible (versus unknown) source. In addition to this, the animated graphics that mirrored the situation were an excellent addition to the newscast, for it provided viewers with imagery of the circumstance, to help them better picture the scene. Finally,  the newscast comprised of almost every necessary effect when leading a thorough newscast ranging from: interviews, maps, pictures, and individual commenter’s to equally contribute to the story, and make it a success.