orb@whuxl.UUCP (SEVENER) (07/09/85)
> >> = Sykora > > = Sevener > = Gray > > >> Did it ever occur to you that the reasons the broadcasting of such debates > >> doesn't yield as great a profit as other programming is because the > >> public prefers watching other things? Should we force them to watch > >> these debates because you and others deem them important. Could such > >> actions be defended in the name of "freedom of speech?" Hardly. They > >> could in fact be attacked on the grounds that they violate this freedom. > >> (Note that I haven't said anything about how boring political debates > >> are. :-) > > > Did it ever occur to you that the reason Public Debates and Presidential > > addresses are less profitable is because they have no paid propaganda? > > (i.e. commercials) > > I think he implies that pretty clearly above. Since my TV set works > without inserting coins, I conclude that someone else is paying for the > broadcast. I imagine Sykora is well aware of where the money comes from. > The reason debates have no "paid propaganda" is that advertisers like people > to see their messages. Perhaps not enough people watch political debates > to justify an advertiser spending hard-earned money to broadcast them. > Mike Gray, whuxlm!mag I think you fail to see the point. Have you ever seen a Presidential Address interrupted by a message for deodorants? Of course not. Such public interest programming has no advertisements. Therefore there is no money to be made until the address or debate is over. It has nothing to do with how many people watch it: even if everyone in the country watches there are no advertisments to bring in the precious $$$$$. I have an idea if you are so keen on "advertising regardless of public interest": Why don't we reduce the deficit by taking off the pictures of George Washington and other national heroes from the money and put a picture of Bann rollon deodorant on the dollar bill? (for appropriate fees of course!) Perhaps it would more properly demonstrate our true values! Better yet, let's replace the Washington Monument with a Gigantic Ban Rollon Deodorant dispenser!! tim sevener whuxl!orb