'Bring out the gaffer tape for slashed shirt...' blog discussion 10 June 2010 at 11:30AM in Martin's blogs & appearances & MoneySavingExpert in the news 19 replies 2.6K views

Former_MSE_Penelope

This is the discussion to link on the back of Martin's blog. Please read the blog first, as this discussion follows it.

Read Martin's "Bring out the gaffer tape for slashed shirt (BBC1 Watchdog filming nightmares)" Blog.

Please click reply to discuss below.

Martin_Edney

What a silly waste of time. Would the piece have had less impact if it had been delivered in the studio, or nearby street?

I'm fed up of seeing news and other reports pointlessly delievered on-site, as if the viewers only believe that what's being said carries weight when it comes from a "location". What's the point of showing a journalist stood (for example) outside 10 Downing Street?

This kind of thing just patronises viewers, wastes journalists' time, and needlessly wastes money, causes pollution, etc.

williham

Yeah it does seem a rediculous waste of time/money/environment to travel to wales for something that could have been done anywhere?!

JPS29

Granted reporting can be done form anywhere. But would you honestly want to watch reports that only came in from a presenter in a studio rather than onsite, would get a bid tedious. Also maybe they were hoping for a genuine case study at the airport, such as, have you changed your holiday money yet, are you withdrawing abroad, try our way versus your way and save xxxxxx

We all know whats going on in Afghanistan and Iraq so do you two take the same line when reporters go on site there and add to that Bangkok.

I actually prefer on location reporting as I feel it more personal and more effort has gone into it, LESS PATRONISING, much better than someone who has just researched for 10 mins on internet and then reads a pre recorded script in a studio

bylromarha

"I don't believe in many things but I do believe in duct tape" - LOST, season 6 finale

Repairing shirts, fixing tubes...

The list of gaffer tape saves is endless :rotfl:

horsechestnut

Very good idea. I have been know to staple the hem of my trousers up when the thread has come unravelled until I could get home to sew it.
I now usually carry a tiny sewing kit in my handbag.

MSE_Martin

Martin_Edney wrote: »

What a silly waste of time. Would the piece have had less impact if it had been delivered in the studio, or nearby street?

I'm fed up of seeing news and other reports pointlessly delievered on-site, as if the viewers only believe that what's being said carries weight when it comes from a "location". What's the point of showing a journalist stood (for example) outside 10 Downing Street?

This kind of thing just patronises viewers, wastes journalists' time, and needlessly wastes money, causes pollution, etc.

Not quite sure how I'd have been able to help people flying save money on a studio. The idea of the film was a makeover clinic of travellers.

Of course we could've advertised for people travelling brought them to the studio (prob from around the country so people don't complain of regional bias) so that'd been about 20 train tickets instead of just mine - plus hospitality. We'd also then come up against rules of unfair self-selection of people.

Also I think you perhaps need put this in perspective. Prime time TV costs about £1,500 a minute - £100,000 per hour. Travel costs are negligible the cost of a studio is FAR more expensive than sending a camera and presenter to an airport. An hours studio time is about 20 times the cost of doing that.

joolsybools

Glad I'm not the only one that has days like that! It's been a funny week, don't take it to heart!

bylromarha

Can't see the gaffer tape and am looking closely for it! The team did a good job. Well done Watchdog!

MothballsWallet

Is Martin the new MacGyver? Could he take over from Richard Dean Anderson in the MacGyver movie? Stay tuned...

To be serious for a moment, I couldn't see anything wrong with your shirt, mine look a complete mess compared to yours - how do you keep them looking in such good condition? (I'm after tips here.)

Btw, you featured the Nationwide Gold credit card on your piece - I've only got the normal one as I don't earn enough to qualify for a Gold card, is the normal one just/almost as good as the Gold card abroad?

Tigsteroonie

Couldn't tell your shirt was ripped, Martin. Perhaps you could oblige us fans by ripping it off completely and showing off your bod?