Questions for Cable TV

Answer 1

Television programming has changed radically since its inception in the late 40s. Sixty years later, we are mired in a society that is more of a TV culture than ever before. It might appear that we have advanced and gone past the "vast wasteland" it was deemed in the 70s, but as a society, have we, really? We've certainly gone from basic free television, to a much more expensive version, cable.

The benefits? Well, it depends on your perspective, as to whether there are any benefits. Certainly there is more programming on more channels. However, many people don't realize that NBC, ABC, TBS, PBS, and others, own and operate many of the different channels we watch. It's basically a handful of networks or companies that control all the channels.

Has the quality changed? Well, that depends on your definition of quality. Yes, the picture is clearer. The sound is better. The screen is bigger. But the programming, is that any better? Are our children being exposed to better programming? Do current programming standards demonstrate good values for the next crucial generation to emulate? Does a clearer or bigger picture give them anything valuable to fill their minds and souls with?

Do "reality shows" contain any reality at all? There are cameras in every room, in everybody's face, from every angle. Is it conceivable that those people may be over-reacting to their situations, for dramatic effect? If parents are allowing children to watch that type of programming, who's At Fault if children think those people are "real", and subsequently act out similarly?

If there exists a list of things that are on TV which pose a threat to our societal balance, "reality shows" have to be at the top of the list. It's not what they convey as much as it is what they don't convey. They don't convey the motivations for the actions acted out.

So, have we let ourselves get eaten up in the "vast wasteland", or have we cultivated it, seeded it, fed it, and nurtured it to full growth? The answer is on the 6 o'clock news, and the 11 o'clock news, and all day long on the news channels.