Last week, I cheered the inclusion of TiVo stats in USA Today TV ratings reports. But, after watching The Super Bowl, I wonder if this is a good idea after all.
Everyone I know who has a TiVo recorded the Super Bowl yesterday. TiVo gets a lot of publicity from reporting how the TV recorders are used during this particular event. Their report indicates that the moment when Justin Timberlake ripped off a part of Janet Jackson’s top was the most actively watched part of the telecast. The most watched commercial was the offensive “Sleigh Ride” ad for Bud Light when a horse pulling a carriage experiences digestive distress.
Marty Yudkovitz, President of TiVo said:
In fact, the half time show during the Super Bowl is now running a close second to the commercials as the most compelling content for viewers. The actual contest on the field continues to be the secondary event during the Super Bowl.
I recorded The Super Bowl on my TiVo, but did not watch it because my wife and I watched the game at her parents’ house. I’m deleting the program without reviewing the moments I missed because I don’t want the NFL, CBS, or any advertisers to conclude that I enjoyed the production. There was too much vulgarity and bathroom humor for my taste.
Ironically, the game itself was one of the most exciting in history. I feel bad for the New England Patriots whose victory will be remembered for what happened while they were in the locker room. Hey Paul Tagliabue, put the emphasis back on the game.