Are Americans Not Interested in Knowing About Life in Other Countries?

We can't get M$M TV news media to cover accurately the reality of our actual lives. Look at what they this about Swine Flu - they needed to asked critical questions before trying to explain what they did not understand.

On the broadcast side, we have got idiots reading the news and not having the ability to understand or question what they are reading.

We have entertainment television networks that pump out phony reality programs that a portion of the population watches. Not all, in fact U.S. television viewing is down and heading south.

Honestly, we are not a stupid as we appear from network TV! And if there is a drama or comedy we like it is best not to get too attached - it could be gone in three weeks. They don't give good shows a change to develop anymore. It is all about the quick hit for ad dollars.

We do want to know about the rest of the world. Most of us tune into our Public Broadcasting (non-profit) channels to view quality TV.

I have been viewing web video both user generated and older commercial stock. When I can find the time I'm all over the BBC radio dramas and readings.

The BBC will not let me watch Dr. Who videos or trailers. I'm not happy about that at all! Since I didn't pay a license fee and I'm outside of the UK I'm not allowed to watch.

Now if I have this much trouble with the UK how am I going to get to the other countries that block viewers? Canadians have the same complaint about web based U.S. videos.

It might take a while longer but there is a change/dismantling of the gatekeepers that program to 12-18 year old boys. Most intelligent folks have abandoned traditional television. The American networks are hurting, not as bad as the newspapers but they are due to crash and burn soon.

There are language barriers but once I have the ability to view more content from other countries I will do what I can.

For now, that means not watching the crap that passes for U.S. Television. There are much better things to do.

Gena - Out On The Stoop ( http://outonthestoop.blogspot.com )

 Masha,

Thank you for responding!   Yes, I know, all over the world people have misconceptions about life and people in other countries. 

You wrote :  <<  but I think the people who plan what get's published or made into film or TV have some very limited preconceptions of what the audience out
there wants >>

Actually, the sad news is that decisions are made according to what the LARGEST audience wants to read or see -- as per TV ratings and sales.  The largest common denominator factor.  So a lot of really good programs and films and books never make it because the potential audience is not large enough to make enough profit, not because it isn't there.  

It's not only sad, it's scary to think that so much talent is getting wasted and so many people don't have a chance to be exposed to it and enjoy it and/or learn from it.

Now I'll check out your art on your site more closely!

Miss Footloose

www.lifeintheexpatlane.blogspot.com ( http://www.lifeintheexpatlane.blogspot.com )

That's a good question.  From outside the US, it certainly often seems that way.

For example - you will see some thing on TV or the internet that is called the "World Mud Racing Championship". And when you look more closely, you will see that it takes place in America and only Americans participate.  And while I lived in America, it was not unusual to see a program called "World News" which contained only news about America.

Having lived in the US, I know that we have a very distorted view of Americans over here. Can you imagine what picture would build of America, if all you only ever saw of it was "America's Funniest Home Videos" and the types of comments you typically get on You Tube ?

I'm sure there are many Americans who are very interested in the rest of the world - but I think the people who plan what get's published or made into film or TV have some very limited preconceptions of what the audience out there wants.