TV programming: too many repeats?

I spend a great deal of time examining both television and radio output. At times, I wonder just who the television broadcasters think they're serving.

Quite often, shows will be put on a repeat cycle, repeating the same shows or seasons of shows several times in a row. And this is proportedly cheaper than producing new material. Also, studios are getting used less and less for programme production outside of live programming, news and sport.

Most drama are shot film-style using as many locations as is required. Comedy is also increasingly being shot on location with the laughter added in a preview theatre showing.

The thing is, if you look around the world, there isn't really a lack of production going on. There are thousands of new episodes of programmes produced around the world airing everyday, And it seems a shame that most of it doesn't get aired outside the market or country it was produced in.

Of course, there is the argument of relevance, such as NY1's Inside City Hall, which is very relevant in New York City but have absolutely no relevance in Madrid, Spain.

But there is so much material out there that would be relevant even in other countries. And yet, we never get to see it.

Breaking News: Rush Limbaugh apologises.

Rush Limbaugh has released a statement on RushLimbaugh.com

"For over 20 years, I have illustrated the absurd with absurdity, three hours a day, five days a week. In this instance, I chose the wrong words in my analogy of the situation. I did not mean a personal attack on Ms. Fluke.

I think it is absolutely absurd that during these very serious political times, we are discussing personal sexual recreational activities before members of Congress. I personally do not agree that American citizens should pay for these social activities. What happened to personal responsibility and accountability? Where do we draw the line? If this is accepted as the norm, what will follow? Will we be debating if taxpayers should pay for new sneakers for all students that are interested in running to keep fit?In my monologue, I posited that it is not our business whatsoever to know what is going on in anyone's bedroom nor do I think it is a topic that should reach a Presidential level.

My choice of words was not the best, and in the attempt to be humorous, I created a national stir. I sincerely apologize to Ms. Fluke for the insulting word choices."

This is a rare moment, and I applaud Rush for actually realising he went too far.

But, in my honest opinion, Rush Limbaugh should be removed from the airwaves by his syndicators, and he should never be allowed anywhere near a radio studio ever again.

There's an old saying. "With great power, comes great responsibility". As welcome as the apology is, he has proved beyond a shadow of a doubt, that he is not a responsible broadcaster.