Intelligencer Journal/Lancaster New Era

Upset with flood of TV ads

TO THE EDITORS:

As dire price increases are initiated daily, the public begins to fear whether the end is in sight. The unemployed continue to search for work and find none. Where do they turn? Some eventually flick on the TV to alleviate stress. They then realize how retired folks feel.

A survey was conducted in 1946, with the option to remit 25 cents per hour without commercials or TV free with commercial ads. At that time, TV was competing with radio and viewed an average of three hours daily. The Walter Winchell News, then on radio, made the competition quite stiff. Result of the people's choice survey: Commercials won. Now TV ads engulf the stations.

As TV viewing is now overcome by companies remitting millions to advertise, what's next? Ads include national firms, insurance, medical worries, law upsets, auto dealers -- the list is endless.

To whom is GEICO, Progressive Insurance and major firms making big bucks so vital? Ads have fallen to the level of purchasing Scalpicin for daily head itch. Wondering if dandruff falls amid the office of those scratching their head, figuring out how to pay the bills.

Consider, if you will, an additional $20 monthly charge being added to your monthly Dish Network or Comcast fee. Would the public vote to increase the price to eliminate one-third of the ads?

This could be a true fee well spent.

"Wake up and smell the coffee, only if you can afford to!"

Brenda A. Stoltzfus

Mount Joy