Holy Smokes!
From CNN:
(CNN) — Three hostages were rescued from the headquarters of the Discovery Channel in Silver Spring, Maryland, Wednesday afternoon after police shot and killed the man who was holding them, officials said. The hostages were unharmed, Police Chief J. Thomas Manger of the Montgomery County Police Department said. The suspect, identified by a law enforcement official as James Lee, earlier was in communication with authorities. A number of devices in backpacks that Lee held have to be rendered safe, Manger added. During negotiations, “he had a wide range of emotions,” he said. According to a police spokesman, the suspect entered the building’s main entrance “wearing what appeared to be metallic canister devices on his front and back. He also pulled a handgun out and was waving a handgun.” Lee was linked to a manifesto that was posted on the internet, a source close to the investigation told CNN. The angry manifesto repeatedly refers to humans as “filth” and demands that the Discovery Channel “stop encouraging the birth of any more parasitic human infants.”
I’ve been less than thrilled about some of the moves Discovery has been making of late, but I’m currently in the running to do a couple of shows for them this fall, shows that are giving me legitimate hope of the ‘old’ science, environmentally involved channel that I idolized as a kid, coming back. But my sentiment still stands, the channel needs to find a way to maximize profits without a full on sell out. Though I think this is the absolute most extreme of scenarios, and I feel terrible for Mr. Lee’s family, and the folks at Discovery HQ’s, this should be a loud alarm that people do take to heart whats on TV, and Discovery, nat geo, animal planet, and all of the other educational/non-fiction programmers need to remember their channel’s broadcast mission. If this mission needs to change, go ahead, change it! But make it clear, re brand and let your audiences know and understand the re brand. TLC, A&E, Court TV did it, why not follow suit? This industry needs to be more upfront, we understand it’s a number/advertising game, the programming is just a filler, the ads are all that matters, but don’t call yourself ‘discovery channel’ if you aren’t concerned with ‘Discovering’ anymore. Simple. Don’t make it an awkward break up when it doesn’t have to be. Maybe call the channel Discovery Entertainment???? Gives you more flexibility.
With that said, look at A&E, those dudes stopped showing Arts or Entertainment a long time ago! Heyo! ZING!
Keep an eye out for ‘Detroit Undercover’ on your TV listings. A pretty rad look into the heroin trade in Detroit shot/field directed by yours truly. Only, on A&E, my favorite employer besides Discovery Entertainment Channel.*wink*
