It might just be my impression but the rolling news coverage of the earthquake in Japan seemed to be trying to ramp up the tragedy even more than it already is as they pad out the programme. On the BBC News this morning they were interviewing somebody from the nuclear industry regarding the danger facing the nuclear reactors and the explosion at one. He was rather calm and not overly worried about the situation with the proviso that it was hard to establish the true nature of events in a country undergoing such difficulties from so far away. He was very measured and confident that some nightmare scenario was unlikely, with the relevant authorities handling the situation in the appropriate manner. You could almost see the disappointment in Nicholas Owen's face as the disaster turned out not to be as dramatic despite him actually mentioning Chernobyl to his guest.
   The ugly truth is that no matter what the horror, after repeating the same story on a loop every half an hour or so it becomes mundane without any new developments which is one of the main problems of rolling news. During times when such big news stories are not occurring then added gravitas is lent to minor items in an attempt to make them seem more important: a particular favourite being the time when the anchor detailed how French union members had started rioting whilst on strike and after crossing to the correspondent at the scene we were confronted by the horrific sight of an empty road with a burning tyre in it.
   To be honest it would be better for all concerned if they simply announced "There have been no further developments yet so go and have a cup of tea. Don't worry we'll give you a shout if anything happens."