Why do news operations LOVE holiday travel stories?

[marmar]

It's been the lead story of every TV and radio newscast I've listened to or watched today, and it's not even Wednesday OR Sunday, which would be the big days.
YES we know that the day before Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel days of the year and NO we're not shocked that weather is causing delays. You tell us this every year!
:think:

[hatrack]

1. For the same reason they show crowded (or empty malls) the day after Thanksgiving

The same reason they show busy post offices on April 14th.

It's cheap, it's easy, it requires no thought,and it fills five or six minutes of airtime.

[Red Zelda]

2. And they never do them well, either

no stories on trains, buses, road construction, trends, etc. Just send Sandy to the airport and ask people where they're going. Fucking media idiots.

[Berry Cool]

6. Well, it's all about the roads and the airports.

They conveniently assume everyone is either driving or flying, because the train station's too boring and the bus station is too scary. :rofl: So they pose someone next to a major highway to talk about traffic and gas prices, and send someone else to the airport to interview passengers.

Only thing easier is the writing. Be sure you work in the phrases "over the river and through the woods" and "Grandma's house" and you're halfway done. :boring:

[gollygee]

3. Doesn't require much work and can be planned in advance

news cliches

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

4. I don't know.

I guess it's the same reason why every time there's a hurricane they send some reporter down to stand in the rain and look at the waves.

[MindPilot]

5. Because "Area woman stays home to avoid crowds"

is only interesting to Onion readers?