Traffic reports on TV

[dial twister]

Is there really any sense in TV stations providing traffic reports, especially on weekends?

Other than it being a sales department cash grab from some sponsor who is willing to fork over the bucks, why are they there?

On Global's News Hour yesterday there was two supposed "traffic reports" from the Global chopper. The first was a shot of BC Place Stadium with the illuminated Union Jack on the roof awaiting
the arrival of Sir Paul tonight. The second was a look at some Christmas lights at Van Deussen Gardens and a mention of the upcoming Christmas light display. Neither report had a mention of any
current traffic conditions. As is the case with most stuff or fluff coming out of Lake City these days, I'd suggest whoever wrote the material for each piece ask Santa for a set of Hooked On Phonics
this year.

The weekday reports make no logical sense, the weekend reports make even less sense.

[isthisthingon]

Hear hear!!!

[J Kendrick]

If you're looking for a really good giggle watching TV newscasts...

Catch PIX11's morning news cast in New York (WPIX)... on cable channel 67...

[jawbone]

In my opinion, Global should be embarrassed with the technical quality of their helicopter reports.
It is a rare time that a report is aired without some breakup in the feed.
They can have Michael Campbell on from California via Skype with no problem, but they can't get a complete report from over the Queensboro Bridge.

[czarcasm]

I'm wondering if they might have the ability to televise the lighting of the Shaw Christmas Tree with audible audio?

Doesn't the tech crew check out things like wireless mics to make sure they are working before air time?

[Howaboutthat]

Another credibility hit for BCs most watched TV news channel.
On tonight's Global News Hour, the Braid St Skytrain station was moved to Coquitlam, which does not have any stations, from its longtime home in New West.
People at The other TV stations must be pulling their hair out wondering why they can't get more viewers.

At least Global has stopped calling reports from the weekend chopper 'traffic reports'