June 11, 2008
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I know I’ve whined about this before, but nothing ever gets changed. So here goes again:
Why is it that these cable networks INSIST on displaying their “lower thirds” when showing disaster footage? This week’s disaster is the flooding in the midwest. Many people are risking their lives to get us these pictures, yet when they make it to cable TV, a lot of what we’re supposed to see is covered up by someone’s words, as if we couldn’t see that there was a flood! Maybe they could put the location of the flood up at the top of the screen in a small area, as is done at times, but WHY IS THE LOWER THIRD AN ALMOST PERMANENT FIXTURE ON CABLE TV?
If these “lower third writers” are in need of employment, fine; just let them plaster their work when there is a non-visual story being covered. BUT WHEN THE PICTURE IS THE STORY, knock it off! Seriously.
Comment by Missy — June 11, 2008 @ 11:16 am
Missy, I am in total agreement. It’s one thing to use the real estate to display important stuff, but why are they on screen All. The. Time?
Comment by Arthur — June 11, 2008 @ 11:53 am
The “lower thirds” are usually just an extension of the on screen bug.. and we all know the “bug” is always in the house. So, its logical to assume the “camera hamming chyron” won’t be far behind. With that said, I can understand these cable nets needing to “brand” or “identify” their wares. However, clogging up the screen with crap is not my idea of a good time.
>Somewhat related: Why Crawl When You Can Stand Still?
Comment by Terance — June 11, 2008 @ 12:22 pm