Sometimes the simple thing is original

One of the things that audiences say puzzles and irritates them is the TV convention that puts the correspondent outside an empty building - in the dark, often - delivering a piece to camera or live two-way.

It's such a convention that it makes its way into output as a matter of routine.

But this device that BBC Political Editor Nick Robinson has been using is striking and effective.

There's something visually attractive about the image of 'Nick at his desk' - flicking through his notebook ... rather like he would be if you - in the audience - had dropped in on him and he was telling you what he'd found out.

It has a slightly lo-tech feel, too: the pool of light; the untidy, busy office; flicking through the notes. And the feel of something immediate, happening now.

The odd thing, of course, is that it's also precisely the image that the slick piece to camera, well lit with No. 10 in the background, is designed to obviate.

But which of the two is boring? Which is engaging and authentic?