We are entering a time when the Media generation is beginning to make itself known. I am referring to those who have grown up with the tv set always on, slick American comedies with smart a*se comments thought up by a panel of writers. A generation when the quip and swift comeback is more important than the content or possible hurt caused by such negligent remarks.
We are seeing the products of media schools and acting houses taking foremost place as presenters on the stations. These are products of the stable. They have no experience beyond experience in front of a tv camera.
Like the career politicians that took the truth out of politics at the turn of the millennium, we now have the career celebrities whose aim is not to entertain you but to make a name for themselves presenting no matter what crap to ensure a whopping wage packet and another noseful of ‘Columbian marching powder’. Loud voices, inane laughter and a readiness to say whatever next comes to mind.
I don’t mean to say that all the new young lovelies are without value or virtue, but to complain that there are too many dynasties appearing, whether those are the children of celebrities or the products of the schools that make celebrities.
The same is true for writers. We hear phrases that come into fashion – ‘early doors’ is one of the latest I keep hearing. Such phrases last for a year or two and fix the date of production. Dating the production to the era of that language and approach.
Of course there need to be training establishments for performers and writers alike. But it does sadly herald a lack of integrity and substandard entertainment for the rest of us. Integrity takes years to learn and earn.
Occasional productions stand out above the herd and deserve the acclaim they get. For myself I find I am watching programmes made in the 70s and 80s because reality tv holds no interest for me. Nor endless game shows with exaggerated prize money that is ‘oh so often’ whipped away at the last minute. Interspersed with gambling adverts.
Ah well, maybe I’ll just have to learn how to read again. Even movies are growing dull substituting shock and action for plot. I should know. I watch enough….
