Now I remember why I don't watch commercial TV

I've been seeing a bit of commercial TV while I've been here in QLD. And I remember why I hate it. This stuff is basic. I imagine the punters love it.

Problem 1) I'm too cynical to sit through a news broadcast.

Your average half-hour news has 22 minutes of non-commercial content. Of which, on commercial stations, at least half is news and weather, and a quarter or more is local-feel-good crap with no news or analytical content.

Problem 2) Product marketing 101

Step 1 - Create fear of a problem that anyone could have
Step 2 - Our wonderful product is a solution to that problem
Step 3 - Testimonial from local man/woman about how product solves problem

Problem 3) Locally produced adverts

The one that is really bugging me (there are a pile) is the one about some hippy expo. There's a lot of that in these parts, which is fine. But the three females they have giving spiels can't act. Even the adorable little girl saying "I'm going to buy some crystals!", but especially the overexcited woman talking about how "I'm going to get a reading!". Also the audio clips all through it, and has a crappily done text overlaid.

GWN local ads are charming in simplicity, Sunshine Coast ones try to do more than they can..

This all means I've been watching part of the Sopranos marathon on Austar (ie, Foxtel). I'm impressed by what a complex character Tony Soprano is. I'm unimpressed by the way the Austar Set Top Box takes 10 seconds to bring up the TV guide.

This is my rant, there are many others like it, but this one was mine.