Category Archives: Television

Media & Marketing, Miscellany, Television

The commercialisation of the British institution

Parky’s moving to ITV. No static links yet, but the Broadcastnow reports that Parkinson is moving away from the home he’s had at the BBC for the last 33 years.

First the Boat Race, now Michael Parkinson. What next? What’s the BBC to do?

It’s particularly interesting in the light of recent fuss over the Beeb’s funding and over distributing license fees between commercial and non-commercial ventures (i.e. ITV and C4 could be getting some of our license fee payments). Ofcom is stretching its arm.

It’s fascinating, really. The broadcast National Identity of the UK is redefining itself, and the BBC seems to be struggling to keep up.

[Listening to: Erasure – A Little Respect (03:33)]
Media & Marketing, Television

Save Angel!

A few days ago, I watched the finale of the current season of Stargate SG-1 (don’t laugh, it is good – Macgyver, anyone?), with fleeting sadness. At least, with SG-1, I have the next season to look forward to, and one final run with Jack O’Neill and his crazy exploits.

But Buffy finished last season, and now Angel’s up for cancellation. Goddamnit. I don’t want new television. I want me old faves to stay on the air! Futurama, Family Guy, Buffy, Angel, Friends, SG-1 – all are ending or ended, or got canned! Am I going to have to start watching 24 and Nip/Tuck? Not that that would be a bad thing. At least the Simpsons will never die.

Truth is, being honest with myself, it is probably time for them to be put out of their misery. Friends writing is so poor this season you’d almost think they would be better off with a team of monkeys playing around with typewriters writing their scripts. Or Shakespeare; either, really. Still, I can’t help but feel the sadness as an era of television draws to a close. So I’ll say: don’t. Save Angel. Before he turns into a muppet.