Originally Posted by Libertine

I'm sorry to say it, but it's pretty much the same everywhere.

The problem is that when competing for ratings, appealing to the lowest common denominator is often essential. Shows aimed at idiots will often still appeal at least somewhat to those who aren't idiots, but as soon as you aim higher, you lose a part of your potential audience.

The problem is exacerbated by the fact that these days, intellectualism is frowned upon rather than encouraged. So people end up spending time on things that merely entertain them, rather than things that challenge their minds.