We Want Media

Since the new Nielsen System recently began including college students living on their own in their ratings surveys, television networks are refocusing their efforts on the kids on campus. Major advertising campaigns are currently being carried out by networks like ABC and the CW, who are sending out promotional goodies and throwing themed viewing parties at universities across the nation. (Wall Street Journal's report here.)The question is: Does anyone care?

I personally wouldn't attend a Pussycat Dolls-themed viewing party, despite how tempting an offer like free cat ears and fishnet tights may sound. For one, college students are busy. Who has time for this sort of thing? The majority of my friends don't have a single television show they can watch on a regular basis, and those that do will usually catch it on the internet later on anyway. With the emergence of online media resources, television sets are becoming less important and less common.

The only reason there is a television in my room is because my roommate brought it, but she seldom turns it on more than a few times a week, at most. And even then, it is only because she needs the background noise to help her fall asleep. Wake up, networks. Did you really just decide to start targeting college students to watch TV shows? TV!?

Anyway, in other news, I hear the next major campaign involves a big push for the sale of audio cassettes.