Are news reporters half arsing it by reading off their phones?

[Shipwreck1978]

AIBU to find it slack and, in the context of reporting on tragedies like the death of Jason Arday, often incredibly disrespectful for news reporters and readers to read reporting directly off their phone?

Have the basic decency and professionalism to print it out or, at minimum, use an iPad. Otherwise you are constantly looking down at your phone, breaking your flow, and giving the impression you are properly half-arsing it.

I agree it looks a bit slack. But that's only because we associate phone gazing with mindless, trivial activity. Clearly in these cases its being used for very professional activity. I don't really think they should switch to another device just for the sake of a prop - like those TV newsreaders in the olden days who conspicuously straightened up all their papers at the end of a bulletin.

It will start to look more professional the more we see people reporting in this way.

I felt sick having read about his death. He was hounded to death. I mean, sack him, whatever, but hound him to death? He was clearly unwell in the head, and he was hounded.

IPads are bulky. I use my phone a lot to take notes in meetings. It took a while for managers to be relaxed about it 🤣.

It's literally no different to a piece of paper or iPad

I know what you mean about the look, but the reality is that if people want 24/7 news and for reporters to go out and report (not just stay in a studio) then the phone is where they’ll be getting the latest information. You aren’t going to schlep round the country with a printer. I’m guessing they also often write their notes/scripts on their phone if out and about. Often there will also be legal advice about what to say/not say (eg Mr Farage has always denied any wrongdoing…) so it must be hard to keep it all in their heads, especially in a changing situation. I think it’s amazing what they do honestly.