September 22, 2007
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“But first, this is Today on NBC”
Can anybody tell me what the above sentence means? And why can it not be replaced by sentences like “But first, we will take a commercial break”, or “But first, these messages from our sponsors”, or “We’ll be right back after a short break”? Any of these sentences will serve the purpose, and will be FAR BETTER than “But first, this is Today on NBC”. I know I am watching Today on NBC and I know the show will continue till 9 o’clock. It is 7:25 now. You are taking a commercial break. Why can’t you say something like “We’ll be right back. You are watching Today on NBC.”
Who writes their script? What is Today on NBC? The commercials? Non-sense.
I cannot stand this expression. As soon as I hear it, I reach for the red button of my remote and turn the TV off. It is NOT the upcoming commercials that pisses me off, it is their above phrase that leads to the commercials. I remember Katie Couric had her special way of delivering that line (almost as if with a vengeance, with emphasis on certain words), and she always met with my standard reaction to that sentence – I immediately turned the TV off.
Comments (7)
It means they are trying to keep you tuned to that station – and failing!
They probably paid people good money to come up with that phrase, too.
Now every time I hear that, it is going to get on my nerves. My pet peeve is early-morning car commercials. After they say BUT FIRST, this is Today on NBC — then a car commercial comes on that is LOUDER than the show. Is that my imagination or have you noticed it, too? BUT FIRST, I must return to my blog.
A poor attempt at trying to keep you captivated! I, too turn off the TV when I hear such dribble.
I confess this sentence seems to me weird in spite my English is poor .
Alas , don’ t mix mass media with mass education !
In friendship
Michel
Dear Shoban,
I rarely watch shows I don’t like or which get me upset. And even though I don’t watch “Today” (I’m at work during that time anyway) obviously the catchphrase is utilizing the fact that the word is not only the title of the show but that it’s “today” when you are watching.
The show is merely identifying what you are watching. Just like “station identification.”
“We’ll be right back. This is the blog of Shoban Sen on Xanga”
Michael F. Nyiri, poet, philosopher, fool
I hope all is well in your area !
In friendship
Michel
Thank you for your visit and I hope you come back soon .
In friendship
Michel