Tag: reality TV (Page 18 of 18)

A recent column in the Tampa Bay Times seems to provide yet another example why ordinary consumers have grown disillusioned with the pretentious, virtue-signalling mainstream or legacy media. Who knows — It might even be a “teachable moment.”

Earlier this week, a Times columnist recounted how two Pasco County, Fla., commissioners think that the airtime the local sheriff’s department is receiving on the hit A&E ride-along show Live PD — which airs on Friday and Saturday evenings at 9 p.m. Eastern — is giving viewers the wrong idea “in terms of Pasco County’s image and reputation.”

Who's excited for #LivePD tonight? Who thinks we'll be seeing this team in action? pic.twitter.com/NoHpI1QqSj

— Pasco Sheriff (@PascoSheriff) August 24, 2018

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In general, you could make that argument about any community featured on the show. You could also contend that officers are on their best behavior when the Live PD cameras are rolling.

In the alternative, you could make a case that Live PD is substantially improving the perception of law enforcement officers across the country, which is particularly relevant after the controversies that have engulfed police departments in the last few years. It may even encourage more individuals to consider an LEO career. (That the cops are often covered with more tattoos than the suspects they are taking into custody is another matter.)

In making a point about the potential for image tarnishing, the column, as relatively brief as it is, comes across to some degree as condescending to many people who — with good reason — really enjoy the show. The columnist explained that he watched the show for just 90 minutes (out of a potential 360 minutes for two episodes) “at the urging of an acquaintance.”

But “After 90 minutes, I’d had my fill and will return to other forms of entertainment.” In a recommendation that has never surfaced before, he also advises readers to curl up with a book instead of watching TV.

The journalist also acknowledges that Live PD (which has an avid social media following in addition to its ratings pull) “apparently” has a lot of fans, numbering in the several millions, he conceded.

Because of its action, unpredictability,  plus quirky and humorous, and sometimes mundane, interactions between cops and citizens, he may be unaware that  Live PD is the closest thing that even approaches appointment TV anymore.

Pasco deputies were only filmed responding to once call in the segments that he watched, moreover, which suggests that his investigative journalism was incomplete.

Tonight’s #livepd lineup!! We had two great shows last weekend and I’m thinking we will have two more this tonight and tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/UGTHKlSmpG read more