IN MY HUMBLE OPINION:WHY DO we have continuity announcers on TV? Think about it. Ostensibly, it's to tell you what's coming on next, but there are numerous reasons why they're both redundant and a nuisance.
Let’s look at why they’re redundant first. First up, there’s a good chance that you’ve already tuned in to the programme or film, or recorded it, so why do they continue to sell to us? With the rise of digital TV we don’t need a voice telling us what’s on – the text at the bottom of the screen does that.
Even in the unlikely event that you’ve happened upon a channel in the moments leading up to the show and you don’t have a newspaper, the internet, teletext, or digital TV, you can just wait the three seconds to see what show is on. But a far greater problem is the “spoiler” factor. Every time the announcer pipes up before a programme, there’s always a scramble to lower the volume – a race against the overzealous voice intent on giving away plot points for the show we’re about to watch (“And now for Dallas, where this week, Kristin reveals that she shot JR”).
The closing credits announcements and graphics are invasive too, and now the continuity offensive has encroached on to the actual programmes. Onscreen text tells us what's about to come on next, often killing the atmosphere of the programme you're watching. The most famous case was the animated dancing mini-Graham Norton who appeared in the corner of the screen during Doctor Who.
Oh, and don't get me started on the banter during the end credits. God forbid we're given a moment to enjoy end credits music ( Hungand Mad Menalways have carefully chosen, relevant closing songs). Instead, we're treated to inane banter (often belittling what you've just watched) and an ad for the next show: "Oh Jack Bauer, will those terrorists ever leave you alone? Next up, Fade Street!"
