After watching the clip from Sunset Strip, it was difficult for me to decide whether I would have let the clip rolling or cut it. While it’s a sticky situation that would result in the loss of multiple jobs (mine included), I would let the cameras roll. The producer’s interest in the foundation of his show is very apparent, and he begins his rant diving into the show itself, reflecting on the glory days of their political and social satire. Then he redirected his attention towards the network and how they refuse to challenge their audience, leading the show to be in its current state of mediocracy. The producer turned his back on the majority of the commandments of the Emmis Communication process, but the ones I felt he followed was that his passion for the show and how it runs. Also, choosing to no longer jeopardize his integrity by speaking out against the decline of his show.
Another thing Orlik emphasizes is “quality.” This repeated, mundane program was not benefitting society. If a show even has poor ratings but is quality, it can still thrive by appealing to upscale advertisers. A show that has lost its quality will inevitably lose its viewers. Quality is critical to keep viewers tuning in, advertisers investing and keeping your show on the air. The producer is over the same skit played out he missed when the show had more substance, if he feels this way, audience members will too. The quality of his show has gone down because his network is okay with producing average work. As Orlik mention’s the viewers, don’t care about the balance sheet as the network does. Instead, they care about having a good (quality) show to watch.
Also, a show filled with satire is challenging to maintain, as Orlik mentions making money for the share-holders puts a strain on developing their perfect audience. Cutting-edge material has been dulled down to be more acceptable by the networks. Money comes first then the integrity of the work in this field, the producer was over that and I don’t blame him.
Maniscalco-Media 