I pit the local news stations in Atlanta for their constant use of teasers. Why say, “something every homeowner needs to know to avoid a fire” and stare into the camera with ‘that look’ (that scary, ya’ better watch this look) then tell me to tune in at a time I’m not able to see the report. Is my reaction supposed to be, “OMG, I’ll leave work early to catch the 5:00PM broadcast.”? My only reaction is annoyance.
If it’s urgent and important, tell me now.
Lately the local Fox affiliate has lately taken to a most disturbing habit. They’ll announce a few shocking news headlines, only to relate later in the ad that those were merely examples of how Fox is always first with breaking news. They are always from a few days/weeks prior.
And if there’s not a good headline, they fall back on the “your children are IN DANGER” angle. For example, the local CBS affiliate just did a report on deadly TV cabinets. Apparently, when TV stands are placed on a 10 degree incline and have a 70-pound weight dropped on top, they actually tip over!
This same station also runs a news ticker across the bottom of the screen during the morning show. For the duration of the broadcast, the same three stories run across the bottom of the screen, over and over again.
A local station had a particular scare story a few years ago that really pissed me off. It was even reported in one of the local newspapers as being a particularly egregious example of this trend. They had a teaser to the effect of “there is something commonly found in American kitchens, something that may be in your cabinet right now, which can make your family very sick. Film at 10.” People called the station in a panic, only to be told that they had to tune in for the late evening news. Turns out that one particular (not common) brand of macaroni and cheese had been contaminated with some otherwise harmless machine lubricant oil, which might give you a little stomach upset or diarrhea, but nothing serious.
The newscasts in the Cleveland area are dominated by a showcase of sex offenders and sexual predators. A typical Cleveland newscast goes something like this:
“A hijacked Continental jet slams into Terminal Tower, killing hundreds, but first - are your children safe? Our I-Team investigates a registered predator who had sex with a 15 year old girl when he was 18, who is now, ten years later, living 990 feet from a school! We follow him to work, to the grocery store, and even to church!”
I’d think you’d be happy that your local news takes an interest in City Hall.