Tornado Coverage: Day 5

Obviously the big and really only story on the minds of the TV stations was President Bush's visit to Greensburg. Everyone pretty much played it even and similar. Each had a reporter and in KWCH, an anchor, give the nuts and bolts of the visit and each had a nice side angle. As I said earlier I thought Roger Cornish and Michael Schwanke compliment each other together in the field. KWCH had some interesting video of the court hearing of the military personnel accused of stealing from a Dillons in town after the tornadoes. Nothing special, but a story on the minds of people in the area. I think I was switching as KAKE was wrapping up that story, but didn't see it. I'll assume they had some of the video. I don't think KSN had this, but overall they once again had good style and execution. Their sidebar story by Chanda Brown on a family who made a banner and painted their slab, where they once had a house with words to the effect that they are happy to be alive and the site will be the site of the future family home was done well and with feeling. The quote from the lady when she said how excited that President Bush kissed her on the cheek and how she may not wash her cheek for awhile was a nice touch.
The Video Tributes Continue - A few days ago KWCH had a tribute for the victims that lacked execution on Monday. They then used the excuse of there being new names released to try it again Yesterday. This time they did better. Tonight KSN ended their newscast with their version which is quite well done. Will KAKE follow on Thursday? What hit me as I was watching is that these names have changed now for me. A few days ago when I first saw them, they were only that, just names. Now thanks to the stories, the three stations have done on the victims, these names and the people behind the names are beginning to really resonate. It was a tragedy already, but now you want to be a part of rebuilding process in their memory. -Hal