They say that us Brits are obsessed with the weather but our cousins in America seem fixated with reporting any weather conditions which are in any way extreme. Admittedly the conditions over in Florida who are facing the wrath of Hurricane Michael are exceptionally severe but boy are they obsessively covering the impending storms. Loss of life is a possibility but America is probably best place to survive the hurricane when compared to elsewhere in the world.
I’m watching the coverage on CNN (unfortunately the cricket is rained off) and they have cleared their schedule to over the weather. I have always believed the news is where the journalists are located, as opposed to the journalists heading out to wherever the story is. And this is very much the case with CNN. They have even suspended their savage criticism of Trump (even though much of it is deserved) and they have reporters dotted along the coast of Florida.
Whatever happens, this is the main story of the day. Even if the storm miraculously loses its awesome power, I think this development will be lost on CNN. They have invested too much money and airtime on this story. I guess it makes good TV. Reporters battling against the wind and rain creates startling imagery. Interviewing the few residents who have decided to ride out the storm gives the story a personal, emotional pull. Local politicians fight each other to been seen predicting the end of the world. It’s much easier than discussing the dangers of climate change. Far too complex and demanding for the mind.
I’m only waiting on Trump to demonstrate an air of indifference to the effects of Hurricane Michael. I think the CNN journalists will to a man and woman explode with righteous anger and excitement.