03-05-2024, 08:06 AM
(03-05-2024, 01:12 AM)WillPS Wrote: Notwithstanding a major news event, I don't really understand why they're needed at all in this day and age.
On a long, otherwise unstructured, live programme, having those regular breaks are extremely useful for loo breaks, swapping people around (both in the studio and behind the scenes), having a quick chat with presenters, fixing any minor issues and a whole host of other little things which you would otherwise either struggle to do or not be able to do at all. They're also a good excuse to cut away from a guest who won't shut up or move on - "I'm sorry Mr Smith, we're going to have to leave you there as we need to go to the news".