Daytime TV: Why I Don't Watch It
Firstly, a bit of nostalgia. As a small boy, morning TV meant school programmes. To get a flavour of the programmes visit Broadcast For Schools UK, which is a wonderful resource about schools TV and radio.
On 27 October 1986 the BBC launched daytime TV. Since then, mornings have included the likes of 'Watchdog', 'Neighbours', 'Bargain Hunt', 'Homes Under The Hammer' and other classics which should all be filed under 'Rubbish'.
I know some people have the TV on for company. My Mum did. She'd have it on and not watch it. You could ask her about a programme and she wouldn't have a clue. 'I like it on' she'd say.
My main issue is the constant banality of daytime TV. Mind-numbing repetitive auctions, cooking, celebrities... it's enough to induce even the strongest willed person to contemplate the meaning of life. Never mind some of the more dreadful programmes, designed to humiliate the weak - Jeremy Kyle being the most obnoxious programme/person to grace the screen.
What is the point of this? Entertainment? I don't need entertaining in the morning, I don't have the time for it.
Are there alternatives to daytime TV? Of course there are. First thing to do is turn the TV off. Put the radio on (BBC Radio 3 is a favourite), get a hobby, read a book, meet a friend. If the TV has to be on, bring back the Open University programmes, so at least people can learn and perhaps get a new interest.
Just don't watch daytime TV as it currently exists. It should carry a health warning. WARNING: watching this can make you stupid.
