Columnists, EDITORIAL -- FEATURE SPOT, Editorials, J.R. Tidwell, Opinion
 By  J.R. Tidwell Published 
6:00 am Wednesday, May 16, 2012

My television consumption dropped at UNA

Television used to be a big part of my life. If I wasn’t at school or at work when I was in high school, I was either playing football or watching television.

Growing up I watched a lot of CMT. I could tell you the name of pretty much any new song and the artist who sang it.

My favorite artist was Alan Jackson, and I’m sure I was not alone in that sentiment.

I could usually be found on the couch watching the magic talking picture box as a kid whenever little league baseball was not in session.

TV was such a big part of my life that it ate up most of my free time.

Then I went off to college, and everything changed forever. Up at UNA there was so much going on and so much work to be done that my television consumption dropped drastically.

I would turn on SportsCenter once or twice a day, and I would watch some shows late at night before bed. That was it.

I went from watching four to six hours of TV a day to less than two.

I discovered that I did not have to have the television on every time I was in my dorm room.

This mentality has moved on to my professional life, but I do watch more TV now than in college. What changed was how many televised sports I see.

I watch so many high school sports that watching a Braves game at home just doesn’t feel like it used to.

I also have this wonderful piece of technology called DVR, which has changed my viewing habits. I don’t even check the guide anymore; I just turn on something I’ve recorded, usually Futurama or Mythbusters.

I think that I am better off with this setup, because I always have something to watch when I want.

Channel surfing, something that used to be as much of a national pastime as baseball or afternoon napping, has all but disappeared for those with a DVR.

My cable box has to fight my Xbox for my attention though, and lately the console has won out.

Perhaps I should not have bought so many video games lately.

Or perhaps I should get rid of my cable. Either way, I never seem to get anything accomplished in my free time at home.

Oh well. I might as well see what’s on the TV.

Also on Franklin County Times
Bill would eliminate YO status in cases of murder
Franklin County, Main, News
Bernie Delinski For the FCT 
September 10, 2025
MONTGOMERY — A local state representative has pre-filed a bill that would prevent someone 16 or older who is charged with murder or capital murder fro...
Strickland takes council seat after Trulove’s withdrawal
Main, News, Red Bay
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 10, 2025
RED BAY — Jonathan Strickland has been declared the next Place 3 memberof theRedBayCity Council after incumbent Herbert Trulove withdrew from the Sept...
School threats are no joking matter
Main, News, Phil Campbell, ...
Alyssa Sutherland For the FCT 
September 10, 2025
PHIL CAMPBELL — The saddest thing about the Sept. 3 bomb threat at Phil Campbell High School is the lasting impact the hoax will have on the life of t...
Ambassadors program gives students taste of leadership
News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 10, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE --the Ambassadors program at Tharptown Elementary is giving students an introduction to leadership. The program gives elected fifth and s...
Book Lovers Club to host violence awareness program
Columnists, Opinion, Russellville
HERE AND NOW
“We look forward to expanding our knowledge of the issues while engaging members and communities to unite in addressing this pervasive societal epidemic.”
September 10, 2025
The GFWC Book Lovers Study Club will host an awareness session about domestic and sexual violence at 2 p.m. on Sept. 20 at Russellville First Methodis...
Opinion: SPACECOM headquarters should be in Huntsville
Columnists, Opinion
September 10, 2025
After years of political wrangling, President Trump is bringing Space Command (SPACECOM) headquarters back to its rightful home in Huntsville. This wa...
Space Command could boost region’s economy
News
Bernie Delinski For the FCT 
September 10, 2025
FLORENCE—Northwest Alabama officials said the Sept. 3 announcement that the U.S. Space Command will be moved to Huntsville could boost local economies...
RHS volleyball team pushes record to 17-5
High School Sports, News, Russellville Golden Tigers, ...
Brannon King For the FCT 
September 10, 2025
The busy week for the Russellville volleyball team was highlighted by a home match against county rival Phil Campbell, the first area match of the sea...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *