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
Hill addresses challenges before congressional panel
Main, News, Russellville, ...
SMALL WATER SYSTEM
By Addi Broadfoot For the FCT 
March 4, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — Eric Hill, general manager of the Russellville Water and Sewer Board, traveled to Washington, D.C., last week to speak before Congress ...
Phil Campbell adopts buildings ordinance
Main, News, Phil Campbell, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
March 4, 2026
PHIL CAMPBELL — Town councilmembers have approved a buildings ordinance which establishes requirements for inspections, notices, hearings and enforcem...
Bendall takes regional role at UNA
Main, News, Russellville, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
March 4, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — Dr. Natalie Bendall has accepted a regional in-service center director’s role at the University of North Alabama. In her new position a...
Tax season brings relief for workers
Columnists, Opinion
March 4, 2026
Americans across the country are preparing for tax season as W-2s make their way to everyone’s mailboxes. People often compare filling out their tax f...
GFWC clubs support parks system
Columnists, Opinion
HERE AND NOW
March 4, 2026
When our GFWC Book Lovers Study Club met recently, we focused on something that belongs to all Americans -- the National Park Service. Patricia Cox, c...
Bishop, McCulloch lead RHS softball to 4-1 start
High School Sports, Russellville Golden Tigers, Sports
Brannon King For the FCT 
March 4, 2026
The Russellville varsity softball team successfully opened the 2026 season with a 4-0 start before falling in the fifth game of the week. The Lady Gol...
Belgreen wins 4 of 5
Belgreen Bulldogs, High School Sports, Sports
Bart Moss For the FCT 
March 4, 2026
The Belgreen Bulldogs are off to a hot start under new veteran coach Jonathan Raper. After dropping their opener to Dora, the Bulldogs won four straig...
RHS loses 4 in Showdown
High School Sports, News, Russellville Golden Tigers, ...
Brannon King For the FCT 
March 4, 2026
The Russellville High baseball team defeated the Hatton Hornets in the home opener, then lost four games in the PB South Alabama Showdown. RHS hosted ...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.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