Because I decided to not attend the Philadelphia show of Live 8, I was going to tune in via TV. With the expectations similar to the Live Aid concert broadcast, I expected a similar take. Sure there were more artists and more time zones so some tape delayed stuff was a given and not a “see every perfomance” kinda of vibe was expected. What I got is one of the biggest pieces of crap broadcasting EVER.
I did not get to watch the show. I got to watch the MTV/VH1 VJ’s watch the show and talk over the show and watch the Viacom executives line their pockets with ad revenues. HORRID!! And who cleared Denny’s as a sponsor. I mean come on, the whole thing is about impossible living conditions and the sorrows of the people of Africa and they talk about their existance on less than a $1 a day and then look — A meat lover’s slam at Denny’s for $4.99. WOW! With a weeks worth of money an African can get that and a cup of coffee. GEEZ! That of course is in addition to promoting all the latest and greatest VH1/MTV programming. Unreal.
Much to Catherine’s celebration, I am no longer watching VH1. They sunk that ship today. They were already headed down that road and today they cannonballed the dingy into oblivion.
And yes, I was aware of the aol online broadcasts. Much credit to them for putting it together the way it should have been done. But the TV broadcast represents the larger face as the online broadcasts are to a more restrictive audience.
Shame on you Viacom, shame.
The cause is great and valid. You should look into that. My cynicism at the broadcast is at the broadcast and not the cause. Check them out :
UPDATE:
Here is a link to criticisms of MTV coverage verses net coverage. NOTE. It is on AOL’s site, and they were the ones doing the net coverage so it is not unbiased in my opinion but it does point out some of the short comings.
OK more links on MTV/VH1 and their sucking:
I totally agree with you.
I lasted about a half an hour of the “coverage” before I was sick of what John Norris thought the concert was like, and just wanted to see the performances.
I have to think that somewhere in the script, this was all planned out, and will only serve to boost the sales of the all-inclusive DVD set that will inevitably come out just in time for Christmas.
The cause is worthy, but the coverage was
BTW – In case anyone is wondering. The AOL coverage is available. It is streamed from http://www.aolmusic.com.