There is no more television. At east the way it was when I was growing up. It looks like all the good content is now streamed on pay-to-stream networks now. So we not only have Netflix and Hulu, but Peacock (NBC), Paramount+(CBS), Disney+ (ABC) as well as a host of others including Amazon and Apple. There are s lot of free streaming services as well, like Pluto, Tubi, Plex and others as well as specialty streaming sites like eSPN (sports) and others that focus on children’s programming. So, we’ve come a long way since the advent of public, over the air programing, in less than 100 years.
There is so much content now, it’s almost impossible to choose. It doesn’t seem that long ago when premium channels were known as HBO and Showtime. Now, almost everywhere we look, there’ an offering for someone. And I haven’t even mentioned the one channel that has, at least in my observation, more content than any of the others (maybe combined!). That’s YouTube.
I don’t like admitting to it but I have, over recent months, become somewhat addicted to YouTube? Why? The diversity of programming which can cover any topic anyone may be interested in on any day. Name a topic, even something obscure, and then do a search on YouTube. Here and now I’m going to bet someone has covered that topic. Even if it’s just one video, it’s there. And of yeah, it’s free. Sure, they have a pay version which probably contains even more, and better content, but for nw? I’l stick with the free side of the channel. Here’s one: A 24 part series from the BBC in 1964 on “The Great War” (World War I to Americans). It’s the most comprehensive documentary on that war I’ve ever seen. On YouTube. From the 1960’s because they wanted to be able to interview actual participants before they all died out. And did i say, fo rfree? Sure, I have to deal with some commercials, but so what? I can pause that channel. I can’t do that (directly) on broadcast TV and that’s an example of a show I’d never expect to see on any American TV channel.
Thst’s the more serious stuff What I tend to look at a lot are the channels that show regular people that have been fired from their job because they decided they wanted to be famous on the Internet and create and post videos , many times about their jobs, to TikTok and are surprised when someone, like a manager, sees a video of the employee disparaging the company, and calls the person in to fire them. Some people dont mention the name of the business or anything specific about it other thn maybe “fast food”, but then are wearing the shirt with the logo emblazoned. OF course, the fired person posts a tearful (often0 video about their lost employment, some of them claiming “free specch”.
I ave to say that these channels showing this kid of content seem to get a lot of views, overall. And based on what I’ve viewed, those who’ve lost their job deserved it. they’re not all fast food workers either. Nurses, Teachers, a Police Officer (yep!) posted videos causing them to be immediately terminated. Some have even lost their licenses to practice.You would think people would know better since the outcomes of these videos aren’t hidden. People are stupid.
So the next time you post something, I’ll probably be watching at some time. I hope you’re smart enough to not lose your job over wanting to become an over nite sensation (like Doordash Girl, or Target Karen) but you’ll do whatever you want to, and complain when the consequences aren’t in your favor. We all do.