Ian Morris

Ian Morris loves televisions so much he's been banned from wedding chapels in Las Vegas for trying to marry them. When he's not romancing technology, he can be found watching American TV. Ian likes roast potatoes, but he doesn't like digital rights management.

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Friday 2 May 2008, 5:09pm

On-screen Logos: DIE, DIE, DIE!

Never let it be said that I was the voice of reason or anything, but when TV channels have on-screen logos, I really feel the need to vent some serious rage in their general direction. This is common practice on satellite, cable and Freeview channels and it's another one of those diseases we've caught from the Americans.

In the US, it's pretty common to advertise the next show, upcoming movie, eco advice or any number of other things on-screen while you're trying to watch a TV show. Here are some stills to give you an idea what I'm on about. Sorry NBC, but from what I can see, you and Fox are the worst for this.

Don't watch the show we've paid to produce, read these dumb captions instead

Give us more of your money by going to see a movie. K thx

As advertising revenues for TV channels drop, companies are going to have to resort to more and more unusual means to get the money they need to survive. Sooner or later, the UK regulator/industry poodle Ofcom will inevitably allow in-programme product placement and in-programme banner ads. Cue distraction and annoyance.

I wish I could say that it was only the commercial companies that did this, but sadly, the BBC also feels the need to tell us what's on next while we're still watching the previous programme.

The whole thing winds me up. I hate on-screen logos, banners and other junk. Get it off my screen please, or I'll be very cross. And you won't like me when I'm angry.

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I agree totally. Its happening more and more. Channel logos are one thing, but large animated banners coming at the bottom of the screen advertising other programmes etc is starting to get real annoying. SKY One is starting to go down that route a lot, but as you say even the BBC is in on it. Just stop it and let us watch entire tv shows without distraction!!

Posted by Ashley Rollinson on Wed 7 May, 2008 4:26 PM

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So what can we do about this? is there any technology that could remove them? any ideas?

Posted by James on Wed 6 August, 2008 2:09 AM

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Logos etc in the corner ruin the viewing of movies and TV shows. Also since 9-11 it seems that all TV channels find the need to have scrolling junk on the bottom of the screen. News included as they even have bites of what we should be seeing scrolling across the bottom while telling us junk in the regular newscast. Directors---get a clue and stop ruining TV before we all go back to radio.

Posted by Anonymous on Sat 1 August, 2009 5:56 AM

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