Nine returns to paper scripts as computer glitch occurs during live broadcast
Nine Melbourne’s chief news presenter Peter Hitchener has reached out to his audience after his 6pm bulletin last night, explaining the computer glitch which saw the team forced to use paper scripts.
Speaking via Periscope, Hitchener revealed why he was forced to wear glasses and the mishaps that had occurred during the bulletin.
He also explained a portion of the show had ran from the Sydney studios.
“I’m going to put these on and have an explanation for you.
“Suddenly we’ve gone back to scripts. How long has it been since we’ve seen those? About two or three centuries but tonight the computer system decided it was going to be all over the place so it was back to paper and glasses to read it with.”
Now about those glasses…. https://t.co/gXBfzp1MGW
— Peter Hitchener (@phitchener9) June 28, 2017
Hitchener re-assured viewers it had not been any malware or a demand for ransom which had caused the glitch.
He thanked his team for managing to put everything together.
“A big thank you to everyone behind the scenes here who worked so hard to just make sure that everything got to air sort of in the order it was meant to.
“It was amazing we got through it.
“Thank you so much for your patience and for joining us,” he added.
Viewers responded on Twitter, naming him a “true professional, “trooper” and a “legend.”
handled the technical issues like a true professional.
— Matt Roberts (@MattRobertsAU) June 28, 2017
what an absolute legend
— nox (@fvcktozier) June 28, 2017
Recovered like the real pro you are @phitchener9
— Dom Marino (@DomMarino888) June 29, 2017
The glitch does not appear to have dented the show’s ratings, with 318,000 viewers tuning in to the first half hour in Melbourne and 306,000 at 6:30pm – ahead of Seven News’ 310,000 at 6:00pm in the city and 308,000 for Seven News/Today Tonight at 6:30pm.
I always preferred a piece of paper.
I remember a lot of colleagues loved putting lots of coded signals in ink so they’d get the emphasis right. Nowadays it seems that actually getting the sense right doesn”t matter.
If newsreaders were pianists, i feel sure that Chopin would sue.
Peter Hitchener was one of the best ABC radio newsreaders. Onya Pete.
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