This isn't a new phenomenon. Even back in the 1950s and 60s, when television was still a relatively young medium, people were griping about loud commercials. I remember hearing jokes about it on late-night talk shows, even though, ironically, I didn't really notice it myself back then. Over the years, there have been attempts to address the issue. The CALM Act, passed in 2010, aimed to create standards for commercial loudness. But has it really made a difference? Not really. Many viewers, myself included, still find themselves reaching for the remote regularly. It feels like progress has been minimal, at best.
Why the Problem Persists (and Why I'm Not Optimistic):
So why does this problem persist? Well, there are a few reasons. First, there are technical aspects to audio mixing and broadcasting that can make commercials seem louder, even if they technically fall within the regulations. Second, our perception of loudness is subjective. A commercial that follows a quiet scene might seem extra loud, even if it's not. Third, there's the issue of enforcement. Are the regulations actually being enforced effectively? And finally, let's be honest, some advertisers might be intentionally pushing the boundaries to grab our attention, viewer annoyance be damned. After all, profit often trumps politeness.
Current Developments and Future Outlook (or Lack Thereof):
Recently, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has spoken out about loud commercials, acknowledging the problem and suggesting that the FCC might revisit the issue. 1 You can read his blog post here: [insert link to blog post]. This offers a glimmer of hope, but I'm not holding my breath. We've been down this road before, and the results have been underwhelming. Will this time be any different? I'm skeptical. But hey, feel free to prove me wrong, FCC.
The Cultural Memory of Loud Commercials:
One thing's for sure: the perception of loud commercials has become ingrained in our cultural memory. It's a shared experience, a common joke, a frustration passed down through generations of television viewers. Even if we don't all experience it to the same degree, we all know the feeling of being bombarded by a sudden blast of commercial noise. It's become a trope, a symbol of the intrusive nature of advertising. And that, in itself, is telling.
Conclusion (with a Cynical But Realistic Tone):
So, will we ever truly be free from the tyranny of loud commercials? I wouldn't bet on it. But hey, maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised. In the meantime, I'll keep my remote close at hand, ready to wage the neverending volume war. My Streaming Life is filled with enough challenges without having to worry about being sonically assaulted by a commercial for toilet bowl cleaner.
Sources and related content:
Comments
Post a Comment
Your comments are welcome. Abusive or off-topic comments will be removed.