TV networks are making big plans for covering the inauguration of Barack Obama as the nation’s 43rd president, the New York Times says. The traditional news networks will be joined at the ball by outlets including MTV, BET, TV One, HBO and QVC, the paper says.
—Jon Lafayette
Inauguration Big News for Networks
Jan 7, 2009 • Post A Comment
He’ll be the 44th president, actually.
I will only watch any simulcasted coverage like this on one network, PBS, for two main reasons. More of their coverage will probably be in true high definition, rather than in pseudo-HD. But, more importantly, they broadcast national events like this with a minimum of graphics clutter. I don’t need to constantly see the word “LIVE” in one corner of the screen while the bottom of the picture is obscured by the words “THE PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION” superimposed over red and blue bars. I think that most viewers can figure out what they’re watching in the first few minutes of tuning in without having unnecessary graphics in their face for the duration of the broadcast. I also don’t need to see network logos in the corner of the screen that dance, turn inside-out, and incessantly spell out their news division’s website, like CBS’ annoying and distracting signage.