Dear SBS comments,
With regard to the placement of advertising during the programmes you
show.
I have been trying to work out why it is wrong and doesn't fit in with
your image and format. I think I have found the answer. It is relatively
simple, but could also be a bit obscure, so therefore be missed by the
programmers.
Most commercial television stations show programmes made for and therefore
design to fit the commercial format. Story lines, plot, action, etc.
can easily be molded into the commercial format. Most sports fit this
category to. They have been very successful on commercial tv.
Commercial tv stations often have complaints when they show a
film or a serious piece of television because they can't get the mix
of programme and advertising to work.
Here lies the essence of your problem of showing adverts during
programmes. The viewers are expecting a higher quality of
broadcasting, even if many programmes have been made with the
intention of showing them on commercial tv, the quality of production
and the feel [often European] doesn't lend it's self to the
Americanisation of advertising. The insensitivity of the advert break
is an intrusion that can be tolerated when the subject matter has been
made with a commercial feel to it's production. EG sport, soapy, lifestyle. But
not when the subject matter is hard hitting drama or in depth reporting
with editorial comment.
When SBS started putting adverts in between programmes it
fitted well into that time slot, that informs and at times instructs
the viewers, about programme rating and content. The placement of
adverts during a show, does not fit into your style of programmes or your station
image.
In conclusion you have a small audience share, they are by and large
a select demographic group interested in your programmes. [Not just
couch potatoes]. If you don't respect them they will not respect you.
With thanks
Woof.
