All of the Australian networks should take a well-deserved bow for their coverage of the tragedy at Thredbo.
Usually tragedies of this nature bring out the worst in television journalism with touches of sensationalism that viewers have become accustomed to and almost expect to see. Our networks avoided this type of coverage and brought to our screens and into our homes the reality and the overall scope of the terrible situation.
We watched in awe as the miracle we all hoped for was answered. Stuart Diver was located and brought to the surface amid cheers and tears. We saw him airlifted to the hospital in Canberra and his parents rushing inside to be with him. Not once did a journalist stick their mike in the faces of these two harried people. Rather the covering journalists allowed them their privacy.
Our news bulletins continue to cover Thredbo and bring us all the up-to-date information. Once again the coverage is clean and newsworthy and not a hint of sensationalism.
If only the Australian magazines would follow in these very big television footsteps. But we know the feeding frenzy has already started as the sharks gather for the story.
