All eyes on Hurricane Milton- Poynter

Media coverage of major storms often features dire adjectives that depict their destructive potential: unsurvivable, catastrophic and apocalyptic are popularly used by meteorologists and weather specialists as warnings about worst case scenarios; journalists frequently repeat such language. Many times, these dire predictions prove exaggerated – at least when those unaffected by storm’s severity emerge unscathed from its grip. Hurricane Milton is now a Category 5 storm bearing down on Florida’s Gulf Coast cities with devastating force, according to Denis Phillips of ABC Action News Tampa Bay meteorology who insists upon staying calm (“Rule No.1 is stay clam”). On his Facebook post “7: Don’t Freak Out If I Am Freaking Out”) about Milton he stated “Scary is all we can say!”. John Morales of NBC 6 South Florida hurricane specialist nearly broke down as he realized on air how fast Hurricane Milton had intensified, through rapid intensification. It truly is incredible and incredible hurricane. “This hurricane has just grown enormously powerful so quickly,” Morales exclaimed on air. “This one truly deserves respect!” “This one truly deserves our appreciation; what an unbelievable beast!” “This thing’s truly unbelievable…and unbelievable…” NBC 6 South Florida hurricane specialist John Morales stated after realizing what Hurricane Milton had become as rapidly intensification began; John Morales exclaimed to audiences, adding, “This thing just blowing through. This hurricane is incredible… incredible and incredible…incredible!” Morales exclaimed on air: stating, ‘What an unbelievable, incredible, incredible hurricane. John Morales stated as his voice cracked when talking live: this thing just incredible… [which NBC] hurricane it just is.” Morales exclaimed Morales on air: [NBC 6 South Florida hurricane specialist] John Morales exclaimed on air: rapid intensification had taken hold within just 48 hours: rapid intensification takes place within 48 hours,” which in effect became powerful all at once!”… [NBC6 South Florida hurricane specialist John Morales also expressed shock that Milton’s strength so quickly “This incredible, incredible, incredible hurricane, incredible…” and incredible hurricane.] NBC6 South Florida storm expert was said]. [NBC6 South Florida hurricane, incredible;] incredible… unbelievable”.” […] Incredible hurricane.] “it just incredible incredible; “My voice choked with emotion as he explained how 50 millibars have dropped in just 10 hours; please accept my apology; this is simply appalling!” Milton approaches Florida just weeks after Hurricane Helene caused record-setting surge flooding along the Gulf Coast before hitting landfall in Big Bend region of state. Many residents still dealing with clean up from Helene. Streets remain littered with waterlogged furniture, drywall and personal possessions – objects which could become projectiles when hit by hurricane winds or create obstacles during a high surge. Local and national media outlets are mobilizing efforts to keep audiences apprised of Hurricane Irma as it moves into Florida this week – expected to make landfall late Wednesday or early Thursday night. Poynter-owned Tampa Bay Times recently updated their hurricane coverage plans, and as reported by Amaris Castillo at Poynter, decided to drop their paywall so local readers would remain up-to-date. Monday evening’s coverage included hurricane preparation checklists and updates about potential shutdown of sewage plants as well as traffic jams caused by evacuation residents. National outlets used Milton as an opportunity to discuss its significance: the New York Times noted it “is currently considered to be one of the strongest Gulf storms since 2005”. “Category 5 hurricane Irma now boasts winds of 180 miles per hour – only eight Atlantic storms have ever achieved comparable winds before it.” NBC News reported that Milton’s rapid intensification is part of an overall climate-fueled trend: global warming provides ingredients needed for storm intensification such as warmer sea surface temperatures and higher moisture content in the atmosphere. This helps boost their intensity. The Washington Post highlighted Florida as being at risk, especially as an area that had historically escaped direct hurricane impact. Forecasters warned of Milton’s uncertain path, yet increasing concerns it might make landfall near Tampa Bay where major hurricanes had not made direct landfall since 1921,” reported The Post. “This region, home to over three million people, is one of the most vulnerable urban centers in America for storm surge. Phillips of ABC Action News meteorology stressed the need to remain calm as storm approached; now is NOT the time for panic! Now is NOT a good time for anxiety.” Now is the time for all of us to step up and do whatever needs doing in order to protect you and your loved ones. There is work to be done; plans need making; people should be cared for and nurtured; neighbors need checking on; times like these will require all our best efforts from each one of us! Poynter’s headquarters is currently situated in St. Petersburg, Florida – directly in Hurricane Milton’s path as of Monday evening – so many colleagues are currently making preparations and/or have evacuated prior to its approach. Please be patient as we weather this storm together. On Monday, CBS News executive announced to staff that “CBS Mornings” co-host Tony Dokoupil did not meet their editorial standards in an intense interview with author Ta-Nehisi Coates. Coates was on the show on Sept 30 to promote his latest book “The Message”, in which he explores racism and colonialism both domestically and abroad – particularly how Israel treats Palestinians – as well as South Carolina and Senegal, including South Carolina’s treatment of slavery as an example. Dokoupil interrogated Coates regarding his framing strategies. “After reading your book, when it came time for me to respond I found myself thinking: If your name were removed along with any awards and accolades as well as publishing house ties then its content wouldn’t look out of place in an extremist backpack,” said Mr. Bates. Coates responded without mincing his words when responding to Dokoupil’s criticisms; his answer however raised eyebrows inside and outside CBS. CNN’s Brian Stelter and Hadas Gold wrote, “the intense interview has since been seen many millions of times online streaming services.” “However, while this interview received widespread acclaim and media coverage, according to multiple sources with knowledge of its effect on CBS News employees.” They went on to state, “Numerous correspondents and producers reported feeling that Dokoupil betrayed an obvious preference toward Coates; other individuals suggested Dokoupil made controversial on-air statements regarding Israel-Palestine conflicts in general.” Dokoupil has spoken openly about converting to Judaism and has stated publicly that two of his children and his ex-wife currently reside in Israel. On Monday morning, CBS News executive Adrienne Roark confirmed an internal review had determined that an interview conducted was in breach of CBS News’ commitment to neutrality. She then said the issue has been “addressed internally”, without giving specifics, according to The Washington Post’s Jeremy Barr. Roark stressed the need for journalists and others involved with journalism to conduct themselves so as to prevent raising any suspicion about journalistic integrity or independence; she did not specifically name Dokoupil by name in her remarks, which called on everyone present to check any biases at the door.” Stelter and Gold reported that Roark’s words provided some employees who objected to Dokoupil’s interview style with Coates some comfort; but others disagreed and thought Dokoupil had conducted himself appropriately tough interview.” Jan Crawford of CBS News noted how Dokoupil prevented “an one-sided account from airing on our network”. Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris made her appearance on 60 Minutes Monday evening. Former President Donald Trump did not join this year, per 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley who explained why. For over half a century now, major party presidential candidates meet with 60 Minutes each October before election time; historically it started with Richard Nixon and Hubert Humphrey (in 1968) doing their interviews for 60 Minutes.” Earlier this year, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump accepted invitations. Unfortunately, Trump canceled last week; Pelley noted his campaign offered various explanations as to his absence. First they protested “60 Minutes’ fact-checking every story it broadcasts”, according to Pelley; later Trump demanded an apology from Lesley Stahl over her 2020 interview segment. Trump claims Harris cannot handle interviews and thus refused to participate in another debate with her,” Pelley reported. “Monday evening’s election special may have been one of the last opportunities before November 4 for national audiences to hear directly from both candidates on issues spanning economic growth, immigration, reproductive rights and conflicts in Middle East and Europe.” Both campaigns understood this special would go ahead regardless of a withdrawal by either candidate. Harris did appear, part of her media blitz this week that also includes appearances on “The View,” Stephen Colbert, Howard Stern and the Call Her Daddy podcast — and spoke with correspondent Bill Whitaker about a variety of subjects. Click here for the transcript; for some highlights click here. One year since Hamas launched an attack against Israel on October 7, 2023, according to CPJ research, Israel’s conduct of its war in Gaza has taken an enormously damaging and appallingly cruel toll on Palestinian journalists as well as their media landscape in Gaza and surrounding regions. At least 128 journalists and media workers, all but five Palestinian, have been killed since CPJ began tracking journalist murders in 1992. CNN’s Hadas Gold commented on this “unprecedented toll” taken upon journalists during this conflict. No one could have predicted what was about to transpire – within weeks of Adrian Wojnarowski announcing he was retiring and joining St. Bonaventure men’s basketball program as general manager, Shams Charania revealed via ESPNX that he will become their new senior NBA insider. Poynter’s Tom Jones had suggested Charania may be ideal for this role, while New York Magazine has just published its cover featuring members of Mayor Eric Adams’ administration who have either been raided, resigned from their posts, fired from them, or been charged. New York contributing editor Andrew Rice suggests one improvement. Perhaps we should send tiny “Resigned” stickers out so subscribers can live-update at home? Winnie Dortch was shot Monday during what 19 News Cleveland described as an apparent domestic incident. Her loved ones and colleagues at 19 News are devastated over this news; we extend our thoughts and best wishes for a swift recovery for them all.” Daniel Thomas, James Fontanella-Khan and Ivan Levingston of the Financial Times report: New York Sun owner Dovid Efune agrees a PS550m deal for UK’s Telegraph newspaper.” Additionally, Chatwan Mongkol of Nutgraf writes “North Carolina student journalists race to cover Hurricane Helene aftermath.” CJR’s Lauren Watson provides us with “How a small paper in Western North Carolina covered Hurricane Helene”. And finally, Sarah Honosky from Asheville Citizen Times details an extraordinary tale: Helene trapped Asheville broadcasters inside their station! Poynter’s Barbara Allen shared this news: Despite Hurricane Helene threatening their leadership academy, their attendees decided otherwise and they have since continued airing episodes of The Poynter Report Podcast! Have you watched their latest episode yet? Poynter President Neil Brown discusses a report with unexpected findings — suggesting the narrative about the news business crisis may need rethinking. If you have feedback or tips to offer Tom Jones can be reached via [email protected]; for daily media newsletter updates Monday-Friday sign up now here for The Poynter Report emailed directly into your inbox daily!