Wednesday, August 15, 2007

MPT vs. MTV


We win. Indisputably.

I’d like to make the argument that MPT and public television have become the leaders in musical performance on television. Consider this: last Saturday night, MPT featured Modest Mouse performing on Austin City Limits. It was a full hour of what I consider to be one of the best contemporary music acts performing in front of an audience. Commercial-free.

At the same time, MTV (a.k.a. “Music Television”) was deep into a weekend-long marathon of America’s Next Top Model. I think it’s fair to say that, although blessed with many physical gifts, the musical talents of the aspiring models on A.N.T.M. don’t hold up to Modest Mouse, or pretty much any artist that viewers regularly see on Austin City Limits or any of the other great musical programs and specials on MPT.

Models vs. Modest Mouse. That’s just a random sampling, of course, but I think it’s a trend. Try it yourself. Turn on MPT. Right now. Then switch to MTV, VH1, or any commercial station on the dial. Which program is holding your interest more? Which program is teaching you more? Which program would you rather support?


Peter Shea
Associate Producer for On-Air Fundraising

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Couldn't agree more, Peter. Music lovers should also note the program "On Stage at World Cafe Live." This Sunday (Sept. 2) has the terrific Rhett Miller of Old 97's. Okay, so it's at 4:30 am. If you're not just coming home from a full Saturday night, that's what DVRs and VCRs are for!

Anonymous said...

I still find myself at family gatherings saying, "No, not MTV, MPT"