In EPG Descriptions, Neutrality is Crucial

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This is part four in an ongoing series exposing incredible bias in the electronic program guide (EPG) metadata of some data suppliers.

See here for Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3.

A central purpose of an on-screen guide is to provide a fair and neutral summary of television programming – whether it’s a movie or TV show, it deserves an informative synopsis free of the opinion of the person or persons writing it.

Unfortunately, the TV descriptions from one entertainment metadata vendor often seem to include editorializing – and not in a good way. Seen here, as in the previous installments, viewers are provided with negative and absurd reviews of movies in their EPG.

The Lake House

Convoluted romantic fantasy about a lonely doctor (Sandra Bullock) and an architect (Keanu Reeves) who somehow exchange love letters even though they are living two years apart from each other.



Ghost Ship

A salvage-boat crew finds a luxury liner missing since 1962, and it appears to be haunted. Good special effects, confusing cliché-ridden story.



Trouble with the Curve

This inspirational drama follows Gus Lobel…


Material Girls

Spoiled heiresses suddently lose everything and have to fight to reclaim their inheritances in this hilarious comedy.

Elektra

A few good moments in an otherwise bland “Daredevil” follow-up.



The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement

Princess Mia (Anne Hathaway) settles in Genovia, where her grandmother (Julie Andrews) urges her to marry a prince. Lacks the charm of the first movie.



Constantine

A man guides a cop through a world of demons and angels. Stylized but muddled.



The Great Gatsby

Lavish but shallow adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Jazz Age classic.



The Family Man

A coldhearted, unmarried businessman (Nicolas Cage) is magically transformed into a suburban working stiff with a wife and kids. Charming performances but schmaltzy.




The above opinionated synopses are entirely unnecessary and at times ridiculous. If an audience member were to scroll through your on-screen guide or browse your Over-the-Top (OTT) application and these disrespectful thoughts appeared, would you consider this to be representative of your brand or business?

Author: Brian Cameron

Image via Shutterstock.
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