I gotta ask this about TV hurricane coverage. Hope it's not too lame

[Howard Beale]

Ok, I get it that the networks are going to cover every hurricane. What I don't get is that while everybody else is being told to run away the networks send a reporter to stand outside in the hurricane and tell the world that it's windy and raining. What's up w/ that? Also, I've noticed that CNN at least has sent 3 reporters of their own to Jamaica, the Caymans and the Yucatan. What the heck is up w/ that? Can't they get some local schlub to stand out in the wind and rain to say that it's windy and rainy? Is it a punishment to be sent to cover wind and rain? How is it worth it to buy plane tickets for a reporter when you can get a 'local'?

Lastly, if you were a CNN reporter would you want to go out into a category 5 hurricane (w/ reported winds of 195 mph at one point) and risk your life? Not me, that's for sure. And before somebody says they send them to the edge of the thing where it's safer nobody can really tell which way these things are going to turn.