TV Station's Twitter-Syncing Billboard Idea Goes Horribly Wrong

[DToTheJ]

For whatever reason, the Mobile, Alabama television market is discussed on this board quite often. So perhaps somebody can explain why this was a good idea:

A new state-of-the-art billboard for WPMI's news team includes a large display of the station's Twitter feed, showing news headlines that have been tweeted throughout the day, alongside the station's two main news anchors, as well as a meteorologist.

Now, the station has suspended two high-ranking staffers after being caught in an awkward position following a commuter's shot of the billboard that had went viral. In the photo, the two anchors and the weatherman are show next to a Twitter headline that reads: "3 Accused Of Gang Rape In Monroeville."

Full story, with photo:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technolo...ed-following-Twitter-gang-rape-billboard.html

 

[landtuna]

The Law of Unintended Consequences.

 

[Yeziknoradio]

Woah! Talk about major screw up!

 

[azumanga]

Of course, it's not everyday that an Alabama TV station gets into a British newspaper.

That being said, there are better ways to do so than unfortunate moments like this.

 

[BRNout]

Sorry everyone, I know it's juvenile, but that's hilarious!!! That sharp eyed motorist managed to give me a hell of a laugh this morning. ;D ;D

As for the staffers, they shouldn't be suspended. Come on, it was a simple mistake which involved a 'juxtaposition' that probably wasn't obvious to whoever was writing the Twitter feed. This was just one of those things that happens when you least expect it. I say, give 'em a pass this time!

 

[azumanga]

As for the staffers, they shouldn't be suspended. Come on, it was a simple mistake which involved a 'juxtaposition' that probably wasn't obvious to whoever was writing the Twitter feed.

Agreed -- it's merely a case of circumstance, being in the "wrong place at the wrong time".

 

[dhett]

This is something you'd expect to find on Leno's "Headlines" segment. It's harmless, really. Come on, WPMI, lighten up!

 

[Mario500]

For whatever reason, the Mobile, Alabama television market is discussed on this board quite often.

It's an interesting broadcast market and I live there.

WPMI-TV is a local affiliate of NBC, covering the south of Alabama and much of Florida.

The writer should have written "covering southwest Alabama and northwest Florida".

 

[mjlarochelle]

I don't get what is so bad about this. It's an unfortunate coincidence.

 

[DToTheJ]

As for the staffers, they shouldn't be suspended. Come on, it was a simple mistake which involved a 'juxtaposition' that probably wasn't obvious to whoever was writing the Twitter feed.

Agreed -- it's merely a case of circumstance, being in the "wrong place at the wrong time".

Given M.J.'s response above, I fourth this. Total overreaction on WPMI's part.