{Ïn} the modern fireplace story telling lore there is a period of high intensity activity when viewers’ attention is lobbied in all directions to consume television content ranging from actuality, current affairs, dramas and soapies. Recently, in South Africa, this period has seen a hyped up high intensity activity of attention seeking television content being rolled out in a generous scale, that is if you care about television. This is prime time television and to television channels whippers it is an important block in two respects. On the one hand the block is important because it is a lucrative slot for running commercials because around this time a lot of people are home and watching television. You just have to think about the various rancid funerals, life covers and investment policies being advertised between 18:00 – 22:00 time slot to acknowledge this. On the other hand the block is important for the television channels due to the expensive tariffs they charge to advertisers during this period. It is not a Milky Way phenomena thing that the channels need the money, so it has been reasoned, to give us quality programming.
As side dishes television commercials have their other uses besides reminding us that our detergents are running low. One can use an advertisement break to visit the bathroom or brew a pot of tea. But that’s a hat trick that can’t be performed infinitely. You are bound to find yourself relishing the theatrics and persuasive gymnastics of television commercials at some point in your evening. Whether you like it or not by default you will consume several advertisements sandwiching your favorite program during a seating as long as it is scheduled between 18:00 – 22:00. Finally I can get to say what I wanted to say from the outset.
Primary Cast of ‘Its Complicated’
As side dishes television commercials have their other uses besides reminding us that our detergents are running low. One can use an advertisement break to visit the bathroom or brew a pot of tea.
So tomorrow’s prime time warzone, specifically between 19:00 – 21:00 will sees the entry of Fuzebox Productions’ It’s Complicated an Mzansi Magic’s (DStv Channel 161) new Drama; it will upset the viewers rhythm when it airs. It is scheduled to air at the time when Scandal is on on etv followed by Ashes to Ashes. Ripples will also be felt by SABC 1 at 20:00 when Generation – the Legacy airs. As well as SABC 2 when Setswana and Sesotho News at 19:30 go on air followed by Musiek Roulette at 20:00. Disagreements might ensue in our homesteads where others prefer to watch Strictly Come Dancing on SABC3. This is where the PVR comes handy if you don’t want your lined up fix disturbed. Let’s get to the climax of the present jot.
The few people who can afford good television content should know that the advent of Its Complicated on Mzansi Magic signals two key moments in the life span of this interesting television channel. The channel, launched on 12 July 2010, has just turned five and it is going HD. Having said that it is a sure thing that during tomorrow’s prime time wars zone the scales will be tipped too many reasons in Mzansi Magic HD favor¶
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N.B. this article is dedicated to the independent South African TV critic, writer and journalist Thinus Ferreira.
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Winter
23 July
© Mmutle Arthur kgokong 2015
Intraparadox 