quote:

ORIGINAL: smileforme50

In May 1961....almost 50 years ago, then FCC chairman, Newton Minow gave a speech that has been remembered by many:

""When television is good, nothing — not the theater, not the magazines or newspapers — nothing is better.
But when television is bad, nothing is worse. I invite each of you to sit down in front of your own television set when your station goes on the air and stay there, for a day, without a book, without a magazine, without a newspaper, without a profit and loss sheet or a rating book to distract you. Keep your eyes glued to that set until the station signs off. I can assure you that what you will observe is a vast wasteland.

You will see a procession of game shows, formula comedies about totally unbelievable families, blood and thunder, mayhem, violence, sadism, murder, western bad men, western good men, private eyes, gangsters, more violence, and cartoons. And endlessly commercials — many screaming, cajoling, and offending. And most of all, boredom. True, you'll see a few things you will enjoy. But they will be very, very few. And if you think I exaggerate, I only ask you to try it."

I didn't realize that the term "vast wasteland" to describe TV was actually that old. I actually thought it originated in the 1970s. Interesting....

Now....I don't watch a lot of TV. The only thing I watch on a regular basis is "CBS News Sunday Morning" and "The Daily Show" (if I stay up that late or catch it the next evening). Other than that.....I don't know anything about thrones or walking zombies or downtons....and if it wasn't for the internet I wouldn't even know who the Kardashians are. Heck....up until last summer, the TV I had was the 19" tube TV that I bought back in 1989 when I graduated college. (closeout display model for $50)

I discovered that TV doesn't really hold my attention. I NEVER *just* sit and watch TV....I always need to be doing something else.....doing something on my computer, doing some housework or cooking in the kitchen. Most of the time I don't even put the TV on as background noise.

But some nights I don't want to do anything on my computer and will pick up the remote and surf a bit. And then I am reminded why I never watch TV.....

(Which brings me to the real point of this topic....)

The other night I was channel surfing and I ran into a show called....ready for this? SEX BOX. My jaw dropped open. Have any of you seen this? I couldn't stand to watch it for more than 60 seconds....but I had to look it up and find out what it was. Apparently it's a "reality" show where a couple sits down with 3 counselors/therapists and then after laying out what problem is hurting their relationship, they go into a big, opaque, soundproof box and have sex. Then when they come out, they sit back down with these counselors and talk some more about what happened in "the box'. The idea being that, in those moments immediately after making love, a couple is more open with each other and communicate better.

Have any of you seen this show? Am I the only one here who just cannot believe that someone came up with such and idea....and the people in TV land actually BOUGHT it.....AND that there are actually couples out there who are willing to come on the show?????

I would love to know what Newton Minow would have to say about TV today.

quote:

ORIGINAL: DesFIP

What Steven said about tv applies to the internet.
"I possess a device, in my pocket, that is capable of accessing the entirety of information known to man. I use it to look at pictures of cats and get in to arguments with strangers."

If it's true of one medium, it's true of all of them. Tv, radio, film, theater, literature. Because we're people and this is what people do

quote:

ORIGINAL: sexyred1

I am always astounded when people say there is nothing good on TV.

I have great taste, consider myself intellectual and find plenty of quality shows that stimulate me, make me think, entertain me and de stress me.

I think everyone lies about their TV habits, for some unknown reason.

I also read books voraciously, see theater, movies, live music, etc.