Television in Ireland

A few interesting observations about what's on the telly:

- NEWS PROGRAMS - We often see the news broadcasters reading the newspapers to the viewers as part of their TV news coverage. How do you think that would go over in the U.S.? No wonder they have to charge a license fee on the TV to make money. I can't believe there isn't that big competition between print and TV media here. The TV broadcasters bring the newspapers right into the studio and read through the headlines on air. Too funny.

- COMEDY - They have their own comedy channel, which airs lots of U.S. shows. Southpark is on regularly.

- AMERICAN SHOWS - You can watch all your favorites here - Law & Order, CSI and CSI Miami, Without a Trace, Friends. They do show a lot of X-Factor instead of American Idol, which is expected. It looks like The Sarah Silverman Show is on MTV versus comedy - interesting. King of the Hill was even on the other night. MTV is big here, which is sad. The Irish probably think Laguna Beach is really the best TV drama we can offer.

- RTE versus BBC - RTE is the network of Ireland and BBC of England. What's amazing - but expected - is that the BBC weather forecasts will tell the weather in England and Northern Ireland (part of the U.K.) and then totally ignore the Republic of Ireland. But it is considered another country, so I guess that's why. But BBC is still a major network aired on Irish TV. We haven't see any BBC shows we fancy expect Top Gear, a racing/talk show. Damon loves it. RTE has a very good morning show called the Afternoon Show (haven't figured that one out yet).