You Make the Call
CBS Evening News has reached an all time low. And I say that as someone who usually watches CBS Evening News if I get back home by 5:30. Well in tonight’s episode they announced a new weekly feature called “Assignment America: You Make the Call.” Apparently, this is some novel and cutting-edge feature where Joe and Jane public can log on to the internets to vote for and choose which of three particular news stories Steve Hartman will report on next week. For its inaugural run, the choices are A) “Do-it yourself funerals” B) “The Jerk-O-Meter” or C) “The Smallest Town in America” (which happens to be in Nebraska apparently).
Wow really important stuff. It’s already a given that the last story of the evening network news programs is usually on some heartwarming or ridiculously quirky story that usually doesn’t deserve national attention. But now apparently viewers are empowered to choose between three non-important news stories. This condescending gimmick really exposes how desperate CBS must be to gain viewers. Why don’t they just cut to the chase and employ Pam Anderson or some other Playboy centerfold to be their main anchor if they are so desperate for ratings? At least that would probably work.
The Comments
D.M.B. February 3, 2006 at 8:27pm
Monowi, population 2.
http://www.google.com/local?f=q&hl=en&q=Monowi,+NE&ll=42.829338,-98.329268&spn=0.110534,0.346069
D.M.B. February 3, 2006 at 8:28pm
correction:
the population is now down to 1.
D.M.B. February 3, 2006 at 8:37pm
And how can you doubt steve hartman? This is the guy who did the “every person has a story” series. He’s an excellent reporter.
Every news station has a “kicker story” that is either werid, funny, strange. Something that is not normal. Watch your local news tonight. Every station will have a “kicker story.” Watch the national news, everyone does it. It’s not like CBS is grasping for ratings with this.
Mr. Wilson February 3, 2006 at 8:49pm
If they aren’t doing it for ratings, D.M.B., what are they doing it for?
D.M.B. February 3, 2006 at 9:18pm
Yes, I know they are doing it for ratings. Everything is about ratings, I understand that better than most on here probably do. But Mr. T pointed out that CBS News was desperate for viewers. Like he said, the last story is of little importance and it’s supposed to be heart warming or funny anyway. So why not give the public a chance to see something they want to see. If anything, this is also as much a ploy to get traffic to their website more than anything.
How is this any different than a TV station running a contest giving away a prize? It’s to draw viewership. At least they are doing stories on what people want to see.
Steve February 3, 2006 at 10:38pm
This is why I haven’t watched network or cable news for years. All the networks are just biding their time until the next pretty white woman disappears and they can dedicate all their sources to that story.