Give is to Us Straight

I understand "teasers" and I know why TV and radio channels use them for movies, concert promos and regular TV programs. I do not understand, though, holding certain information "hostage." Silly things, really.

"Is the heat going to linger or is there a hurricane on its' way? Find out tonight at 11."

'Two women robbed in a local neighborhood by chipmunks wielding sparklers. Find out where these furry-killers are tomorrow on Next Day News at 5."

Okay, I might have embellished the second one there, but I bet I'm not far off!

I believe that this is a sign that the industries have not realized that human beings are smart enough to find out the information in other ways. A sign of the "old" times of media, in a way. With our new programming I can get my local, updated weather and traffic with the touch of a button on the remote. Oh yeah, and there is the whole internet thing.

Teasers are of no use to you anymore, Newspeople. Do they really think that I will change from my regular morning news because you didn't give me information that they didn't give me?

What I really want from a news commercial is a summary of things that are important, maybe with a "find out more at 11." Try these on for size:

"Hot as hell today, but tomorrow will be nicer. I'll have a full forecast at 11."

"Rodents have mugged two women in Springfield, but we're working on details. We will have more in the morning."

I guess what I'm saying is that you have no power over me local weather-person or anchor-person. I will get my information, even if you won't give it to me. Why don't we save us both a little time and you give me more information rather than try to tease me.

Oh yeah, and promise me that those darned chipmunks can not cross state lines!