Hyperbole and razzmatazz in blanket coverage

A MAN going to church, a drive about town and the swearing of an oath, dominated non-stop live coverage of a tightly-choreographed event beamed by US news channels television yesterday.

President George W Bush was sworn in for his second term in an event covered by some broadcasters like a US version of a royal coronation. Reporters covering the event spoke on TV with hyperbole and reverence.

“This is a majestic moment for the entire country,” CNN’s Wolf Blitzer said at one point.