I agree with the posters who've noted that it helps them know which network they've flipped to in the cable system chaos. That can be handy.
But a related phenomenon that I don't think anyone's mentioned is the "You're watching" blips when a show comes back from commercial. ("You're watching The Weat Wing on NBC. (fade)" What, like I'd assume the cast of Friends had suddenly gotten smart & ambulatory?)
My guess is that the networks' most important target for those bugs and blips are Nielsen diary-keepers. Since now they can note what they're watching by show name or network/channel, the network can refresh their memories constantly so no slots go un/mislabeled.
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The real question is: have they programmed it to obey the 3 (4) Laws of Robotics?
It wouldn't be such a useful receptionist if it had to obey callers' orders to "put me through to your boss" (where the caller didn't seem harmful).
I agree with the posters who've noted that it helps them know which network they've flipped to in the cable system chaos. That can be handy.
But a related phenomenon that I don't think anyone's mentioned is the "You're watching" blips when a show comes back from commercial. ("You're watching The Weat Wing on NBC. (fade)" What, like I'd assume the cast of Friends had suddenly gotten smart & ambulatory?)
My guess is that the networks' most important target for those bugs and blips are Nielsen diary-keepers. Since now they can note what they're watching by show name or network/channel, the network can refresh their memories constantly so no slots go un/mislabeled.
That's just my opinion, I could be wrong.
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