Okay, so this most likely won’t come as news to my fellow TV Addicts, but since this marks the first weekend that I didn’t have the pleasure of walking Mac [see pic, video] whilst listening to the weekly TV Guide Podcast, I just thought I’d take this opportunity to re-iterate what a colossal mistake TVGuide is making by putting the kibosh to what was once, a weekly weekend tradition.Don’t get me wrong, from a business perspective I get it. The not-at-all-subtle ‘Comcast’ logo in the bottom left corner of Ausiello’s Vodcast [see above video], not to mention the sixteen second ad that you’re forced to endure, makes it pretty clear why TVGuide is shifting their focus to online video content. That said, the ‘old-fashioned’ audio podcast was about so much more than simply ad revenue.
Not only was TVGuideTalk informative and fun, it gave fans an opportunity to really get to know the personalities behind the browser [or magazine, for the five subscribers still left]. From Angel revealing her bunny bashing tendencies, to Dan Manu’s FANTASTIC FOUR review that will never die, inappropriate incest jokes, Maitland and Matt Roush’s thoughtful reviews and Ausiello being well, Ausiello, TVGuideTalk accomplished something money can’t buy. It acted as the ultimate advertisement for TVGuide. Or, to put it in a way that the proverbial ‘Powers That Be’ might appreciate, the podcast helped build brand awareness and loyalty in a way the web site and new video podcasts never can.
Not only can I not walk, drive, or grocery shop whilst listening to the new vodcasts, they lack the spontaneity, length and most importantly fun of the audio version. Without getting into too much detail because I have a feeling TV critics are ironically not that susceptible to criticism, if TVGuideTalk is Emmy—worthy, the numerous Vodcasts would be lucky to snag a Blockbuster Video Award. TVGuideTalk was the ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT of audio podcasts. The new vodcasts, at least thus far, are more akin to ACCORDING TO JIM. Case closed.
On a related note, looking to fill the void left by TVGUIDETALK’s unexpected exit? Why not try out a few of these TV Addict approved podcasts [linked to iTunes].
The TV Addict Podcast
Tim Goodman’s TV Talk Machine
Ducky/GMMR Podcast
SyFy Radio