We've complained about this too (see Note To FX Network) and glad to see I'm not the only one. And, if this wasn't bad enough, I think it was during the recent CSI Miami they kept putting info on the screen about the actors accompanied by the sound of gun fire. If I wanted to know what job they had before CSI, I'll look them up on IMDB. Can you just let me watch TV!
I wonder if you're as annoyed as I am with the ever-increasing proliferation of ads on your home screens? No, I'm not talking about the commercials, which appear on web sites you arrive at while surfing the Internet. I'm referring to the constant reminders about which network or station you're watching on televisions in your living room and other sets in your house.
At first they were tiny, almost subliminal, as if without such a display you might not recall the transmitters of your favorite shows. Or perhaps it was an attempt to build subconscious loyalty so that if you liked the show you were watching maybe you'd get a pang of guilt if you switched to an alternate channel later in the evening.
After awhile it was decided to increase their size, making them almost impossible to ignore, providing not only an unwanted distraction, but in some instances preventing the viewer from seeing some aspect of the program which was on the TV screen and now blocked. Something perhaps the production staff had carefully planned to appear in the lower left or right while framing their shot, whether it was the name of someone's identification tag or a prop that was now almost impossible to identify.
And to add insult to injury the networks decided that it wasn't just enough to force you to focus attention on the name of the company bringing you the show, but it was evidently necessary to promo upcoming programs or specials as if the constant trailers displayed in between act breaks and scheduled throughout the day were not quite sufficient.
Sometimes these promos are animated, providing a further diversion for a few seconds before they fade out of the picture. Oftentimes, they remain for much of the broadcast, as in the case of ABC's continual pumping up the Academy Awards telecast with a large onscreen display alongside its network logo, which is sometimes joined by the number "7" (the local channel in Los Angeles). Last night it was simply maddening to watch October Road, a show that is struggling and is not certain to be back on the network schedule. Why? Because the humongous reminder to watch the Oscars in six days was so evident and frankly caused me to ponder the nominees instead of the plot of a show they presumably wanted me and other viewers to become fixated about so that they would keep it on the air.
I have watched CNN's political coverage a bit lately and I am astounded by their whole format. Wolf Blitzer raid fire grating voice, everyone else talking at a speed as if they are paid by how many words they can get into a minute, with so many graphics showing on the screen that everything becomes meaningless, and to top it all a stupid line: "The best political team in America".
I can't figure out what audience they are targeting? Young, urban people on triple espressos?
It's just bad communication from beginning to end.
Posted by: Kent Larsson | February 23, 2008 at 10:21 AM
I have watched CNN's political coverage a bit lately and I am astounded by their whole format. Wolf Blitzer raid fire grating voice, everyone else talking at a speed as if they are paid by how many words they can get into a minute, with so many graphics showing on the screen that everything becomes meaningless, and to top it all a stupid line: "The best political team in America".
I can't figure out what audience they are targeting? Young, urban people on triple espressos?
It's just bad communication from beginning to end.
Posted by: Kent Larsson | February 23, 2008 at 10:22 AM