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Watching Television
Kudos, Complaints and other observations concerning what's on TV -- and what's behind it. Each week Frazier Moore grapples with programs, the industry and the shifting definition of television in our Internet age. Among his earliest memories is watching "Ding Dong School," one of the first TV shows for children, and sitting too close to the screen. Frazier now covers TV for the Associated Press, reviewing programs, profiling performers and behind-the-scenes figures and analyzing the medium. Despite his ongoing concerns about TV, he is happy to report that watching lots of it, even too close, hasn't ruined his eyes.
RECENT SHOWS
Back to the Upfronts
By "upfront" I mean "straightforward... frank," a definition somewhat at odds with each broadcast network as it throws its annual upfront presentation for advertisers to announce its new fall lineup of shows...
Ready or Not
The nation's way-too-soon, way-too-long campaign show began in earnest, if that's the proper word, the past couple of weeks with MSNBC airing debates by the Democratic and Republican presidential hopefuls. Now I know I shouldn't whine that it's already starting...
Identity Crisis
… our key word: relatability. 'Cause with television, nothing is more important for the viewer than being able to relate. If you can't relate, you turn away. And then the show goes away…
Viewing Exercise
This is Associated Press TV writer Frazier Moore watching television for KCRW and stricken by my recent birthday. Uhhhh! This birthday, never mind which one, has pushed me to tear my gaze from the TV screen and take a hard look at myself -- and at how I spend a major part of every day. Which is watching lots of TV, then reaching for my laptop to write about it....
Imus in Mourning
I've got a crick in my neck from shaking my head over the Don Imus affair. It's been explosive, alright. But when the dust settles, maybe we'll find we've gained from this sorry episode some valuable wisdom. No doubt Imus is sadder, but wiser, having painfully discovered something most of us might have already suspected: namely, if you're a big-time radio and TV host, do NOT go taking racist, misogynist potshots at unsuspecting young college women who you only noticed in the first place because they're terrific...
Image In-Betweener
This is Associated Press TV writer Frazier Moore watching television for KCRW and plugging This American Life, long familiar to public radio listeners but now midway through its six-week TV run on Showtime...
Anno 'Sopranos'
I'll confess it, I love The Sopranos. Through the years, I've tried to keep my affection in check. But the fact is, this multilayered mob drama is a masterpiece, and as we enter the home stretch of nine episodes leading to the series' conclusion in June, I know how the end is gonna make me feel: like when I reach the last page of a really great novel...
It Just Ghost to Show You
Well, this is embarrassing. Usually when I sit down here at the microphone I can count on some ghost or other apparition to seep right through the studio door and prompt me on what to say...
Getting Graded
Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader? premiered with a splash earlier this month -- in part, thanks to its powerhouse lead-in, American Idol. But now that it kicks off Fox's Thursday night schedule, will it make the grade?...
'Naked' Truth
Are your kids getting "Naked"? I'm talking about The Naked Brothers Band, which, if you're not the parent of a youngster of a certain age, I'm here to acquaint you with. I do it in my compound capacity as a TV critic, a parent and, of all things, a fringe member of the band's entourage...
Rest in Peace?
Gosh, I'm overdue to add my voice to all the others on the passing of Anna Nicole Smith. I'll keep it brief: Rest in peace, Anna Nicole...
Let Oscar Be Oscar
The Oscars were last night. Today, everybody's doing post-mortems. And why should I be different? But here's the difference: I'm so sure about what we all saw on the 79th Annual Academy Awards, I went ahead and taped this commentary last week...
Dramatic Nukes
You know, I remember when bombs on TV were just lousy shows. But now some popular dramas are unleashing their own nuclear arsenal ... and it's against America, from sea to shining sea.
Love Your TV!
With Valentine's Day nigh, I must say I'm feeling the love... love for TV! Oh, I feel other things for TV, too. It's not all hearts-and-flowers. But even after all this time, we're still cozy, TV
and me. And with that in mind, I worry about the people on TV -- just how much do they love this medium they're such a vital part of?...
Double Vision
...seeing double last Thursday, when Stephen Colbert paid a visit to Fox News Channel's "O'Reilly Factor," then welcomed Bill O'Reilly to his Comedy Central show, "The Colbert Report"...
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Host
Frazier Moore
Frazier Moore airs his complaints, kudos and other observations concerning what's on TV -- and what's behind it -- on "Watching Television," which grapples with the programs, the medium and the shifting definition of television in the Internet age.
Tapes & Transcripts
Click the Full Details link to view the complete transcript. Tapes are not available.
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