Morgans wrote:
"Dudley Henriques" wrote

Actually, from my personal experience this is not surprising to me at all.
The "excitement" of war and aerial combat in particular piqued during and
immediately after WW2.

That is an interesting observation.

I had observed that with the Military Channel (formerly the Aviation
Channel) and the History Channel, that many people that were not diehard
aviation finatics had discovered WW II history (and after) and had
discovered the coolness of learning about military aviation.

I noticed the changes taking place even then as I toured the air show
circuit with WW2 fighters. You wouldn't necessarily notice it if outside
the aviation community as the changes have been quite subtle.
Today, especially with young people, primarily young males, ( the show's
main demographic) the interest in air combat is not anywhere near what it
used to be.

Again, I see that many people not excited about it before, have enjoyed
learning more about it.

This doesn't mean it's gone by a long shot, but even from what I have seen
within my own family, the interest is waning severely.
There is still a cadre of "aficionados" out here for shows like the
dogfights History Channel project, but I fear not a large enough cross
sectional demographic to support such a show for very long.

That may be, and probably is, ultimately true. There are not enough people
out there with their heads (and soles) in the clouds. Not enough to support
programming ratings, to keep it as alive as it needs to be, anyway.


Basically the issue I think. The ratings game in TV is murderous. Unless
programs like Dogfights develops a cult following almost in real time as
it airs, I don't believe whatever cross sectional demographic that
exists out here now will support it.
I guess time will tell. Whatever happens, it will be quick :-))

--
Dudley Henriques