Darling

(but I do appreciate than some parts of the UK can't get Freeview)[/quote]Not to mention the ROTW.

David Brent

The makers of such programs take advantage of that human trait that is called an inquiring nature. It could also be called peering, purving, snooping, prying, being ghoulish and curious. It's the same factor that makes people want to slow down at crash sites or exchange gossip with neighbours over the backyard fence.
The great majority of viewers who live mundane and monotonous lifestyles also get their daily dose of excitement from watching other people do controversial, dangerous or exciting things. Safe in the knowledge that they can switch off afterwards and go back to their normal but safe ways.
The program makers are also always after that SHOCK value. Someone once commented "Whatever next......live executions?" Truth can sometimes become stranger than fiction.
As each "reality" show tries to outdo each other then it will come to a time when even the most controversial shows will appear boring to viewers.
Then maybe we may all go back to reading books and playing games.

I believe the next planned reality show will involve England manager Sven being locked inside the changing rooms with the entire England squad, trying to explain his 'News Of The World' comments. Now I"D like to see that.

Dave.

Steve Crook

That's why it's also sometime known as "car crash TV". You're shocked, disgusted and appaled by what you see and you're glad that nobody you know or care about was involved. But you still look if you pass close by it.

Steve

samkydd

As well as the I'm a Liability Get Me Thrown Out of Here type shows, there have been a few focussing on rare medical conditions with a shock factor. One recently was about Tyrette's Syndrome, another about Siamese twins. In my humble opinion, these television programmes are nothing more than 21st century versions of the circus freak show, not intended to educate but just to provide some sort of ghoulish amusement for the masses! The peak times they are broadcast is proof of that!

"...the chairman of Littlewoods stores made a Keynote speech!"

piroflip2

I agree Sam, a recent docu about a baby born without a face would also fit into this slot.

To come back to your original point though, much of todays T.V. is nothing more than moron fodder.

The more fart jokes and vulgar tripe crammed in the better.

The worst thing of all is that todays children regard this disgusting rubbish as normal.

These unfunny, overpaid "celebs" are the new generation of luvvies.

regards piroflip

Marky B

When you think of what television Britain has given to the world over the decades,and the best we can come up with is Celebrity....etc. I don't think all is lost,though,when you consider Spooks,Life On Mars,Bleak House etc,there is still a pool of talent to develope interesting programmes and proof we should not have to rely on such reality programmes.
For no particular reason,I never saw The Sopranos,or any other of the US imports that everyone speaks highly of (except the first two seasons of 24 and of course The Simpsons). Does anyone think we should be taking a leaf out of US programme makers? Or if not ape them,learn something from them?
A slant on what I have said before,but perhaps it is worth looking into the fact that when our golden age of television dominated,there were less channels and less air time.
Ta Ta
Marky B

I once shot an elephant in my pyjamas - how he got in my pyjamas,I'll never know

Steve Crook

Certainly look at them. But try to understand what makes them a success and learn from them. Don't just try to copy them. That's nearly always a mistake.

Steve

arty-dave

for shame, MarkyB

Marky B

That was the point I was trying to make - thanks,Steve .
Ta Ta
Marky B [

I once shot an elephant in my pyjamas - how he got in my pyjamas,I'll never know

samkydd

Can anyone here enlighten me as to what a TV programme sponsor contributes to a show or a season of films?

Apart from annoying, repetitive and rather unfunny intros and exits to each programme start and finish, plus each start and finish to the ad breaks, what do the sponsors hope to gain from this sponsorship?

Personally I would go out of my way to boycott these products because the sponsor ads are so bloody tedious and pointless. We have to put up with them as well as even more ads crammed into the conventional ad breaks, so commercially they are on to a loser surely because repetive garbage is a sure way of rubbing viewers up the wrong way!

I know many people record programmes and skip the ad breaks and sponsorship crap, but sometimes if you prefer to watch in real time like Euro 2008 games for example, it drives you nuts!

"...the chairman of Littlewoods stores made a Keynote speech!"

donna

I think like the old days people love chapters, a series of maybe four to six parts with decent actors and good storyline to get people looking forward to a night on the box, I miss these kind of shows, hate soaps though with a passion, they run out of storylines and steal from other shows , invent sons , aunties, mums, and step brothers after years of not having any, boring boring Im sure there are loads of good authors to make a mini series out of their books. we want Flash Gordon, The Famous Five, Zorro and other updated for TV give us more series to follow.

pitchfork

Agree with all thats been said. Yes there is the odd good programme or series. Foyles War started off well but....
Where are the quality progs like Morse etc. That was watched by millions so not elitest.
Its sad when you look forward to Crimewatch.
We are lucky enough to have a Real Ale Pub supplied with local and guest beers just down the road. That seems to be a better option. might suggest they have a quiz night on Films (NOT TV)!

marker

I have now given up watching live TV I cant stand the add breaks and the increased sound it just ruins the program and makes me want to run away.

I watch pre recorded material mostly now what little is still worth watching I record and then skip all the add crap also there is no respite on BBC as although they are not taking paying adds they are still advertising, causing poor continuity on there programs!! what am I paying a license fee for lets go back to proper tv
ok rant over.

Cheers Marker

Steve Crook

Money

Steve

samkydd

So does the sponsor pay for the whole cost of making the programme; Emmerdale, Foyle's War, Lewis?

If so they must be bonkers because of the negative affect it has on their products. No-one in their right mind would buy the products if the sponsor's part of the programme annoys people so much!

Take the air freshener bunny rabbits on Emmerdale, what the hell is that all about? Crap graphics, stupid idea, totally unfunny and repetitive to the point of screen rage! I know Emmerdale is an amateurish and dreadful programme anyway, but surely this makes it worse!

"...the chairman of Littlewoods stores made a Keynote speech!"