Election stats - new mobile record

'I understand that the BBC had around 100 people in the US to cover this election. That is a staggering waste of licence payer's money and something the Director General needs to answer for.'

Don't suppose you would be interested to answer the question posed on your editors blog in the comments section?

The above is spot on. I would only add that the ones that get the travel jollies seem to be the same old suspects. It's always the same with these big international stories. The select few always seem to get sent overseas with, I assume, a colossal expenses
allowance. The BBC is riddled with nepotism and old school tie syndrome. Disgraceful

@PhilSpace - surely the stats figures being quoted by Steve would be answer enough! If viewership remained average despite the investment in staff there then I would be worried. BBC is doing it's job and well at that - the proof is in the pudding made.

I think the public were just eager to know if we were heading toward the end of the world in 2012 as the Mayans predicted - if Romney had been elected I reckon we'd have been well on track!

To the comments above, how is it a waste of resources when the event clearly has such a big global impact?

Steve, are we to inductively conclude from your post that Obama's presidency is likely as disastrous as the 2011 riots or tsunami... now take that, those of you who seem to incessantly comment about BBC's bias in favour of Obama LOL.

Seriously though, I'm surprised at the level of news consumption on mobile - wouldn't have thought it to be more than 10%

Steve, I understand this blog is nothing to do with Newsnight & News Programmes in general, but when will Senior BBC News Managament come onto these pages to explain what is happening? Where is Helen Boaden or Steve Mitchell? They are in charge of BBC News but remain hidden. Are they taking a lead or hiding to protect their jobs? Best wishes Steve and well done on your work with BBC News Online.

Broadcasting through mobile is definitely the way forward as tablet devices and smart phone become ubiquitous... curious to hear BBC's views on how this evolves in terms of product offerings going forward. Have already seen some interesting pilots coming out of the BBC Connected Studio initiative here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/bbcinternet/2012/10/connected_studio_the_first_pil.html

Compared to American coverage by experts who observed US politics all of their lives, know the system and culture inside out, backwards and forwards, and know all the nuances, BBC was like a bunch of gawkers, tourists looking up at the tall buildings somewhat dazed and confused. Amateurish by American news standards.It would not be acceptable to the US domesting market if it even knew BBC existed.