The issue I have with the end of all analog (NTSC) TV transmissions in the US on February 17, 2009, has not so much to do with -
- politics (the issue of whether the NTSC, an arm of the FCC is really nothing more than a tool of the corporate media; where private interests/technology are influencing decisions on national public airwaves);
- nor the actual technology of HD TV (though I’ve heard they apparently burn more energy than regular TVs, and I question the long-term impact on one’s vision);
- UHF channels at the high end of the band being decommissioned and sold for other uses (who gets to buy them, and for what purposes);
- or even the voucher program (under different circumstances, I would rather see 100% compensation for the purchase of converter boxes with ATSC tuners, rather than just a voucher).
No, the issue has really gotten me thinking about television in general. In my time here in the US, I’ve perceived the quality of TV programs to have decreased significantly. I base this on the not just a noted decrease in watching television in general, but the reduced number (and types) of programs I watch.
There are essentially three type of television shows that really dominate the prime-time television line-up; ‘reality’ ‘reality-game show’ and the ‘Sex And The City’ clones. None of which I have any interest in. And they have largely replaced sitcoms and drama television programs as the dominant prime-time programs viewed by the public at-large.
And as to what sitcom and drama shows do remain, the quality and availability of such shows that I do watch has decreased.
By in-large I tend really to watch four types of television shows –
- Local News
- The Simpsons
- Law and Order
- Live Sports events
Looking at each one -
- Local news stations are - by in-large - extensions of the global media conglomerates which dominate the US broadcast television networks and airwaves. Each of them (News Corp, Paramount, Disney, and GE) are major contributors to right-wing and Republican politicial establishments. I’ve observed, much of the news (even at a local level) I find tends to have a right-wing bias, often gets many facts wrong, or even spreads false information. Basic elements of most newscasts (camera work, live feeds, and visual articulation), I’ve found to be remarkably unprofessional in presentation. Elements of the news (like the weather forecasts) are often full of bluster, rarely ever right, and almost never acknowledge errors in predictions. With their bombastic music, most of these stations’ own TV commericals during these local news casts are often self-absorbed, about the station patting itself on the back for its bluster and ‘coverage’. I find I get more accurate, consistent (and reliable) information and coverage from sources online.
- While I still enjoy the Simpsons on re-runs, I do agree that newer episodes aren’t as funny as perhaps 6-7 years ago. And I’m disappointed that the makers are apparently not permitted to criticize/lampoon the Republican Bush administration (of which News Corp has been major political donor and propagandic sponsor through its cable channel). Mr. Murdoch apparently had no issue with them making fun of the previous administration’s key figures.
- Similar issue with Law and Order (the show really went downhill when they brought in Fred Thompson. And especially after 9/11, the show went increasingly more right-wing). But on a more general level, the show has (IMO) become more unrealistic even for its own universe. And its reputation has been hurt by the sister spin-off shows (all of which generally contain poor acting, and really weak storylines).
- I have a lot less time to watch MLB and NFL games, and the occasional soccer match. I have mixed feelings whenever the occasional NHL game is broadcast. I’m not very happy with the overall direction of the game of hockey, as presented by the NHL (too much fighting, not enough hockey). And even if I do put that aside and try to watch anyways, often it’s broadcast on networks which lack the profressional analytical skills I’m used to seeing on Canadian broadcast television. The points are moot, as most sports events are largely televised on cable, of which I have other issues with.
Most of what I watch nowadays are older TV shows, on DVD. We should be able to watch those on our old TV set. And if a new TV show does come along that I’d like to watch, we can rent it from Netflix, or perhaps view it from iTunes with an iPod.
What I want to get away from are the broadcast networks, with all their product placements in TV shows, and endless commercials around them. I have this theory that attention span decrease will be traced to watching too many TV commericals.
The bottom line is, television – whether HD or not - is not worth pursuing.
It’s because of this, that I have decided to simply not bother with broadcast television come February 17, 2009. I think I'll be better without it.
