The Amazing Infomercial Called the Today Show

Most weekdays I wake up around 6:30 and watch Fox & Friends. But this is only until 7, when NBC's Today Show begins. The Today Show is the "Grand Poobah" of morning talk programs, having the best ratings than any other show of its kind. It has beautiful people, attractive sets, and lively discussions. In spite of all this, it has become little more than the most expensive infomercial on TV today. On a typical show you will hear disclaimers to the affect:

* "GE is the parent company of NBC and GE Finance"

* "GE is the parent company of NBC and Universal Pictures"

* "GE is the parent company of NBC and Universal Theme Park"

* "GE owns everything and such disclaimers are now silly"

Okay, the last point is an exaggeration, but I think you get the picture. GE is a monster. A conglomerate that is in everything from health care to washing machines, and they are promoted often (2-3 times an hour) in every program. iVillage alone is played at least once every hour of every show, it seems. How does NBC get to cover every Olympic game? They, too, are in relationship with GE. The Today Show is done very tastefully, but it is largely an infomercial, none the less.

The Today Show has very high ratings and I watch it myself. My observations are not critical, but almost in awe of this very sophisticated, product promoting, machine.