In Norman,
the ten o'clock local news plays opposite Cheers reruns. There is
absolutely no question whatsoever in my mind about where my viewing time
goes. It is not that I like Ted Danson's hair or that I'm uninterested in
what's going on in the world -- it is just that very little of what I'm
interested in gets into the local news. And a lot of what I don't care
a hoot about gets in.
Are you interested in the O.J. trial? Whether vengeful family members of
victims of the
Oklahoma City bombing should be allowed to watch the court proceedings in
person? Whether the resident of 3211 Bummers Avenue really beats his wife
every weeknight? Whether Bill Cosby is mourning his son in L.A. or in
New York?
The local news panders to voyeurism and the basest instincts.
At least on Cheers , you get to laugh at such concerns.
