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Worldfocus anchor Martin Savidge addresses some of the comments we’ve received about the show. Have a question or comment that he hasn’t addressed? Post it here.
We hear you.
We’ve been on the air now four weeks, so I thought it was time I addressed the comments we’ve received from our viewers.
From the complaint department…
Number one by far was our bump music. That’s the music and graphic that come up between segments. Many of you wrote to say how aggravating and just plain annoying it was. Well, as of last Tuesday, it was replaced. I have to say it made a huge improvement — thanks.
Another major aggravator…our continuous use of the word “partners.” This really does apparently get a lot of people’s goats.
Richard the retiree wrote:
Is it necessary to always refer to the guest reporters as “our partner?” It’s very repetitive. Maybe just say “from.”
BCH put it more poetically:
I know “Our partner Deutsche Welle” better than I do the pledge of allegiance.
BCH and Richard, take heart — as of this week, the word “partner” is gone from our lexicon!
Ginny from Oregon wrote to say:
Thanks for the fine news program – at last. [But] the audio is bad: Words clipped fairly often, maybe every 30 – 60 seconds…
We checked, and as the engineers are fond of saying, “The audio’s fine leaving here.” Maybe we can have a word with your local PBS affiliate in Portland.
Patrick in Georgia noted his own audio issue. He said Worldfocus was growing on him,
“HOWEVER it drives me crazy to watch it. Why? Because Martin Savidge’s lips are not synced up with his voice.”
Patrick, I did my own test of this by talking in front of the mirror. Words and mouth moved in perfect unison. So again, “It’s fine leaving here.” We’ll talk to your affiliate.
Ruth wrote us about our interview over the call for early elections in Israel:
The little time you allowed this guest to ‘discuss’ was an embarrassment, particularly in light of the amount of time spent on Singapore’s traffic control. Really, where are your values/priorities?
Ruth, there will always be disagreement about the length of time given to any one subject. We debate (argue) that amongst ourselves daily.
The Singapore traffic story was part of our Blueprint America coverage, which is a network-wide effort to highlight ideas that could help issues of America’s infrastructure. Truth is, we will be doing many stories and interviews on the Israeli election. That’s probably the first and last time you will see a report on Singapore traffic.
Lastly, a number of emails were from people not too thrilled with me.
Virilene said Worldfocus had the look, feel and urgency of an infomercial:
Mr. Savidge is probably a nice man, but he presents as an android.
(Ouch!)
BCH referred to “The slow pace and M.S.’s languid delivery” and said our news quiz was apparently aimed at high-schoolers.
I can only say, BCH, you must be one smart person — because most of the Worldfocus staff took that quiz and I have yet to find a person who passed. And just about all of those working here hold master’s degrees.
The put-down with the most panache came from David in Denver:
Martin Savidge, who reminds me a lot of Chris Bury, who reminds me a lot of Arthur Godfrey, is a ‘bon general ordinaire’ but not a ‘grand chef.’ (quoting deGaulle)
I’m afraid you’re stuck with me for a while. I will say I came to Worldfocus not so much for my hosting skills, but because I have been in just about all the places we report on. In fact, there is hardly anyone sitting in any anchor chair who has logged as much continuous time in the field as a reporter as I have.
Like everything else associated with Worldfocus, if it ever comes down to choosing between style or substance…substance will always win.
Maybe I’ll grow on you.
Keep the comments coming…we’re listening.
- Martin Savidge
09/16/2009 :: 07:56:40 AM
D. Tennant Says:
Martin Savidge is one of the best interviewers I have ever seen. He is a natural. His wholesome appearance immediately attracts viewers, and he is a skillful interviewer. His questions are few and pertinent and he is a superb listener. Very likeable person,indeed.!