The Vast Wasteland

On today's Diamondback I read an interesting ariticle about why there are little good shows on broadcast television:

...why are the only good shows on the air either being canceled or on premium cable channels? And more importantly, what can you do about it?

You want ingenious television? It's scarce to find on NBC, ABC, CBS or FOX because of the restrictions set on average TV networks, but when one-of-a-kind shows actually appear, they tend to get the ax despite positive press and critical acclaim (Arrested Development, anyone?). And that's not even a phenomenon of this season, it's just how the network-TV cookie crumbles, leaving highlights like Twin Peaks and Firefly in its wake.

Sure, tons of crap has been cut so far this fall - Kidnapped on NBC, Smith on CBS, Runaway on The CW and Happy Hour on FOX - but actual gems like Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip on NBC are in jeopardy despite great acting, writing and production, while trash like Desperate Housewives and The O.C. remain on the air.

What she saying is true. As a matter of fact, there are two main reasons why most good shows are either canceled is that in the broadcasting industry is about money, although the FCC is supposed to regulate the industry in the public interest, it's clear that they are not doing their job, as a matter of fact the FCC is the Broadcast's industry's Bitch, since it's establishment in 1934. They keep crap on the air because it gains the largest viewers. I call it the "lowest common denominator" audience.

The point of television is to engage, interest and entertain, and when shows push the envelope, both the viewer and the network benefit. So although we have to wait an exorbitant amount of time and suffer in agony until The Sopranos and Weeds come back, use the time off to tune into your average broadcast television show. By showing networks viewers care about more than just Eva Longoria's latest suburban tryst or what the hell California is going to do without Mischa Barton, you can help keep quality television like Studio 60 on the air - and maybe get Housewives and The O.C. off.

I'm afriad that will not happen anytime soon. And if you think that Maryland Public Television (Maryland's PBS affliate) is any different, it's not. Public Broadcasting has the same problem as the broadcasting industry, the only difference is that it involes AWASPs, stupid pledges programing (two words: Suze Orman), and 20 year old British imports and Barney.