The other day I heard the local ABC-TV affiliate in Connecticut breathlessly promote the faltering condition of a major bridge on I-95 complete with footage of rusty girders. And the voiceover promoted, "Is the Q-Bridge the next disaster? Watch tonight at 11"
A less-astute person would snap to attention and worry. Another thing to worry about. Don't get me wrong. Fixing the bridges and infrastructure is paramount. But why are we hearing about the Q-bridge story in February? This has only been an issue, oh say, the last 20 years or so. And that's my problem with the coverage? Could it be that February is sweeps month in television? It all boils down to money. The sweeps period is where a station set its ad rates for the next ad period. The more viewers watching the more a station can charge advertisers. Follow the m0oney. it's that simple.
Only the local viewer is not aware of the rating ploy. Don't you think the local viewer should be aware? You'll also see these important sky-is-falling stories in November and May. And I'm here to tell it's all bullshit.
Enough ranting. It's 1:26 and I'm all fired up for the NHL trade deadline at 3 pm...
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