Viewers’ views

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32798, 24 December 1971, Page 4

Viewers’ views

DEER KILLING I too was “turned off” by the mutilation of deer on the “Search For Tomorrow” programme. This is the second time the series has treated us to a lesson on butchery. Last time, I believe it was the carving up of a pregnant hare. I suppose, after all the corpses and massacres that entertain us on TV, I should not be squeamish about the impersonal dissecting of an animal, but I am, and I wonder if the producer had some nasty traumatic experience he is working off on his viewers.—TEßESA MACINTYRE. PROGRAMMING Recently I wrote about allocation of TV programmes. This was ignored by the N.Z.B.C. at Christchurch so I wrote to Wellington. The reply stated that there is a similar cross-section of viewers in the afternoon as in the evenings. This may be so, but there still is (a) a larger cross-section of viewers at night, and (b) a surfeit of inferior programmes in the peak evening hours. The net result from my personal point of view is that, being forced to watch lesser features, I am losing interest in TV. It is small compensation to know better things are shown when I am not available. Eventually I may choose free radio, my hi-fi set and books to occupy the leisure hours as my interest is not flattered by “Lancer” or impossible missions. I would certainly like to know of better reasons than those put forward already why the present programme planning exists. — PILGRIM. THE NEW YEAR I write to commend the N.Z.B.C. for their thoughtfulness. If the programme advertised for New Year’s evening is any guide, it will not matter if my set breaks down. Compulsory viewing of a musical from 8.45 p.m. to 11.01 p.m., and then another hour of song and dance is the N.Z.B.C. New Year treat! Perhaps they think we are all going to gather round the TV sets and sing and dance. Will the next move be a return to community singing? How much longer are we expected to swallow this entertainment (for want of a printable description)? The radio does not even offer an alternative. And Christmas Eve? We had best get drunk. —EARLY NIGHT, Timaru.