Great broadcasting lies #251

If there's one phrase that really grates on my ears, it's the one inevitably voiced by the host of talent shows and celebrity show-off venues like Dancing on Ice. Yes, the person in charge will plonkingly tell us that the participants being saved to suffer again next week are being announced in no particular order. I'm sorry, this is a blatant lie.

What they mean is that the order doesn't reflect the number of votes the person got. But that's not what they are saying. The successful names are announced in a very particular order - the one that the producers decide is the best to build audience tension. There is no way it's random, as suggested by 'no particular order'.

What does it matter? Not a lot. Serves me right for watching these things. But it still irritates. Grr.

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