Wednesday, August 30, 2006

More on CNN's So Called Technical Difficulties

I find it strange that CNN seems to continue to have these so-called technical difficulties as stated in their explanation. Yesterday, for ones that watch CNN, Kyra Phillip's microphone was left on, off camera while airing President Bush's speech in New Orleans.

Yackety-yack, Tinkle -Tinkle, she ran her mouth along with her bladder.... during a potty break while gossiping about her sister-in-law being a control freak instead of viewers hearing what President Bush had to say. Later, CNN issued an apology but would not comment if anyone would be disciplined.

Reuters: CNN sorry for Bush speech gaffe
NEW YORK (Hollywood Reporter) - CNN apologized Tuesday after an open mike transmitted an anchor's bathroom conversation with another woman live over the network as it was carrying President Bush's speech in New Orleans.

"Live From" anchor Kyra Phillips had apparently left the set around 12:48 p.m. EDT Tuesday for a bathroom break while the news channel carried Bush's speech marking the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Phillips' wireless microphone was turned on and picked up about a minute and a half of a muffled conversation she had with an unidentified woman where she apparently talked about her husband, laughed and talked about her brother.

"I've got to be protective of him," she said without being aware that the mic was on. "He's married, three kids, and his wife is just a control freak." CNN anchor Daryn Kagan broke into the telecast immediately afterward updating viewers on what Bush had been saying.

"CNN experienced audio difficulties during the president's speech today in New Orleans," the CNN statement read. "We apologize to our viewers and the president for the disruption."

CNN apologized to the White House on Tuesday afternoon. It wasn't clear whether it was a technical or human malfunction, and CNN, citing corporate policy, said it wouldn't comment on whether anyone would be disciplined. It seemed unlikely that anyone would.

CNN hasn't been immune to technical problems, particularly during political events. In November, a gaffe during a live speech by Vice President Dick Cheney showed an intermittent "X" on the screen. CNN apologized and fired a telephone operator who told a caller who complained that the network was exercising "free speech."

And in July 2004, viewers heard Democratic National Convention producer Don Mischer swear over an open microphone when balloons didn't immediately drop after a speech by Sen. John Kerry, the party's presidential nominee.

But some in the TV business said Tuesday that CNN should have had a system of checks and balances in place to make sure anchor's mikes are off when they're not on the air.

"It's a cardinal rule," one executive said.

Via Wikipedia: (UNDER Mishaps) On August 29th, 2006, during a CNN broadcast of George W. Bush's speech on the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina (2005), Kyra's microphone was inadvertently left on while she was apparently in the bathroom. Portions of a personal conversation, including offering advice on men and criticizing her sister-in-law, were broadcast live for over a minute and a half. Phillips later apologized for the on-air gaffe.

NewsBusters (h/t pic) and Hot Air have more info and the video.

Previous Post:
Katrina:The Finger Pointing Politicians and CNN's Potty Break aired During Pres. Bush's Speech 11/23/05 CNN Caught on Audio Tape (Listen)

Others Blogging:
Wizbang - Rightwinged.com - Pajamas Media - Right Wing News - Ace of Spades HQ - small dead animals - codered4troops-Live from the ladies room -
Tailrank linked this post and a previous one here- (Tailrank reader tips)..... with the thread of bloggers on this subject.

Thanks Barry at The Royal Flush for highlighting this post.

Blue Star Chronicles linked with Life Lessons by Kyra Phillips
excerpt: CNN anchor Kyra Phillips gives a tutorial in how to destroy your career, lose friends, embarass yourself, irritate the President of the United States and alienate family members in 2 minutes or less.

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