Spring Break
Television goes hi-def, lo-class
Soon everyone will be watching sub-par TV shows in crystal-clear digital picture.
By: Ian McPhail
Issue date: 2/16/09 Section: Opinion
|
Certainly there are many satellite and cable providers to choose from, but when facing the decision of how many channels to order, take into account the lack of quality programming provided by many of the premium channels. Cable and satellite television has become affordable and practical, but at a cost to niche and specialty channels. These channels have abandoned the shows that used to appeal to a larger audience.
It is no secret that MTV has become one of the biggest disappointments to music lovers, no longer providing the most popular music videos. Instead, MTV devotes its budget to kidnapping viewers and physically forcing them to watch horrific shows like "The Hills" and "Paris Hilton's New BFF" in a torturous quest for ratings. VH1 has started to ignore its intended purpose in a similar fashion.
"I used to watch VH1 back when they played music or had an interesting Top 100 countdown," said Tiffany Mcelmurry, a senior psychology major. "Now all that's ever on is 'Rock of Love' or 'Tool Academy,' shows whose only purpose seems to be giving 'The Soup' something to make fun of every week."
Less popular channels have been patterned after music stations, substituting programs geared toward namesakes for guaranteed ratings. The History Channel is transitioning away from hour-long specials about Hitler's moustache stylist to reality shows based on the unhistorical lives of ice road truckers and axe-men. American Movie Classic has redefined its genre to include great cinematic masterpieces such as "Terminator 3" and "Mystery Men."
Having the premium cable package no longer offers quality entertainment. The shows available through former niche networks offer the same types of programs available through the major networks. When deciding whether to upgrade cable providers, take into account the documentaries, classic movies and music videos that were formerly marketed to customers and will no longer be available.
Be sure to include your name, major, and class year. Submissions without this information are subject to deletion.
By submitting a comment, you agree to thebatt.com's Terms of Use.
You may also send a Mail Call to The Battalion at mailcall@thebatt.com