Ahhh the wonderful month of November. Football, the crisp air, Thanksgiving, ski resorts opening, what a great month. But there is a dark side to November -- sweeps. For those of you who aren't down with the whole TV industry, let me explain. Sweeps are month-long periods during which the advertising rates are set for TV stations and networks. There are sweeps in February, May, July and November. For this reason, stations and networks roll out their best programming during this time, trying to get people to watch. The upside to this is all the great extra programming put on by the networks--like the cool "24 - redemption" that aired this week.
The downside is the ridiculous, fear-mongering, investigative reports put on by the local news stations. When you see stories like -- "20 ways your kitchen can kill you" and "Dangerous Energy drinks" (thanks Fox) you know it's sweeps-- especially with tag lines like "something every parent should see". I have actually heard about stories such as "Is your dog gay?" and "How every time you flush your toilet, your toothbrush is blasted with microscopic bits of poo" and "Mean Girls" (they're gonna beat you up and take your lunch $$! noooo!) in other markets. Or how about "Is your mattress killing you softly?" Oh, and don't forget the "dirty" stories -- dirty hotel rooms, dirty hospital rooms, dirty school cafeterias, anything to make you afraid--and to make you watch.
The one-up-manship and stupitidy of these reports is so annoying--does anyone else get irritated when they hear "part 79 of out series on the dangers of myspace"?
So whenever you see a story like one of these, my friends--just roll your eyes, and say "well duh" and change the channel. Maybe one day news directors will get it.
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