Everybody loves a good countdown
I'm a news addict, and a TV presentation nerd. I freely admit to watching TV and commenting far too much on the delivery, and not the content. Over in the US for a bit for South by Southwest I'm missing UK news being honest. CNN has sound effects on their shows that I remember from Doom. FPS and News doesn't mix for me. (and don't get me started on how untidy the local ad-inserts are)
That not the point of this post though, in as much as there is one. The BBC's new Arabic TV service launched today thanks in part to some of my friends who worked on the fit out. Congratulations to them, it's always nice to get a service on air.
From the brief look I get on that video, I like the graphics - they are less BBC and slightly more Sky. But in a good way, it looks like they hang together well (VizRT graphics transitions are a privilege and not a right). But most of all I was excited that there was a top of the hour sequence.
I like countdowns, ever since BBC News 24 started using one they've seemed the obvious choice for news. As well as keeping nerds like me happy they also genuinely very useful - if you have to drop or insert items a countdown that you can join at any point makes the operation easier.
The Sky news Australia one misses the mark for me, it doesn't build to anything, and is far too up tempo all the way through - a top of the hour build up only works if you actually build to something. Top marks to BBC then for including all your standard clichés of the genre. (or are these really signposts of telly and news)
You've the improbable typing shot, the exaggerated globe, the dishs of doom and the gallery view. The day today would be proud, but it's well put together and not over the top. How well will this channel do in an already crowded marketplace, only time will tell.
Comments
Nerd? You think you're a NERD because you comment on the presentation and not the content? You fool. That's the easy part. I've lost count of the number of times I've passed judgement on an inappropriate tie or a hairstyling which needed more time in development than it actually got. That's what makes TV a joy.
For my money, News 24's countdown is the world leader .. I even rather liked the drums they had in the late 90s with all those colourful flags.