'24 Oras' explains why Tita Mel is often in the middle of realistic simulation graphics

After Tita Mel went viral on social media for being "stranded" while reporting on Taal Volcano erupted, "24 Oras" explained why they put the renowned news anchor in such realistic simulation graphics which netizens couldn't help but notice.

In an interview with GMA News Online, Senior Assistant Vice President for News Programs and Specials Michelle Seva said their objective was to help their audience visualize the events happening.

"Ang overall objective talaga namin ay ‘yung maipaliwanag nang malinaw ang iba’t ibang terms, phenomena, subjects, topics — sometimes even history — sa paraan na papanoorin, pakikinggan at maiintindihan kami ng mga manonood," Seva explained.

She said those executions are called "change milieu" where they "create a graphic representation of the places and events/phenomena that we want to explain."

"And then we situate/immerse our anchors in that milieu while she presents the explanation," she added.

According to Seva, when PHIVOLCS explained what base surge was without any visual aid, "24 Oras" executives thought it would more helpful if they created immersive graphics to help their viewers better understand the situation.

"Noong pumutok kasi ang Taal, 'base surge' ang isa sa mga matunog na babala ng PHIVOLCS na maaring maganap. Pero ano nga ba ‘yang base surge? Ano ba ang nangyayari pag may base surge?"

"Ipinaliwanag ng PHIVOLCS pero walang visual aid kaya naisip namin na gumawa ng immersive graphics representation para mas madaling maintindihan."

Since Taal volcano's eruption last January 12, GMA News has been reporting on the event with immersive graphics.

The most recent one was one the "24 Oras" studio transformed into the Taal Lake with the volcano, emitting clouds of dark smoke and lightning striking its crater, right beside Tita Mel.

Netizens were not only impressed by the imagery, they also felt protective of Tita Mel and voiced their concern after seeing her "in the middle of" a dangerous situation.

Seva said the news team feels fulfilled to execute the stories they want to tell effectively.

"It’s fulfilling that we were able to connect to our viewers and that we were able to help our audience visualize how a base surge happens and show which areas are in the danger zone," she explained.

And connect with the viewers, they do! Whenever "24 Oras" does their graphics, Tita Mel would go viral, as when she got "stranded" in the middle of floods back in 2018. 

— LA, GMA News