When they first appeared on air they served one purpose - to remind viewers what station they were watching. Television ID's, or "bugs," now display the time, promote upcoming shows, and sometimes use animation to grab your attention.
CNN was the first station to use a bug, mainly to prevent other news organizations from using their video footage, but companies have used the public's insatiable need for information to their advantage when creating these annoyances, which sometimes make a mockery of the "rule of thirds" on your screen. If you recall USA's month-long promotion of the Monk series finale, you know to what I'm referring.
So, do these ID's serve a viable purpose, or do you think networks and cable outlets have gone too far?
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I remember at WQLN in Erie when the Q bug had to be on during all programming. WQED in Pittsburgh is using that same bug now but WQLN is using the WQLN bug at 10 and 40 past each hour on all 3 DT channels. Everyone uses a bug even in sporting events for times when other networks use their footage. (Unless it's covered up by the former George Michael Sports Machine.) I guess it's a sign of the times that everyone has to cover their on air or cable property.
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