How Much News Is Good News?
08 Feb 2007
Speaking of The Today Show, this week’s buzz is about the addition of a fourth hour of lighter fare to be offered. An article in Monday’s USA Today, columnist Peter Johnson takes a look at the critical debate regarding “the erosion of serious media.”
I can’t help but ask…have you been watching the Today Show the last few years? Since when can you consider it “serious media?”
That point aside, this move is not about the erosion of media, and I believe the reporter missed the boat entirely. The story here is a business story. NBC needs to give its affiliates a competitive advertising advantage during the later morning slot. Right now, they need stronger programming to go up against the competition. An additional hour of The Today Show, catering to the tastes of a daytime audience will give affiliates what they need.
It also gives creates more of an opportunity for a variety of feel good stories that may not be considered “hard news,” but may be helpful and informational for viewers. Only time will tell.
