Lights, camera action...the delights of Cypriot television

I've had a bit of free time at the moment, some would argue too much free time so I have been devouring books in the hope that I will find some inspiration for my own writing. Curled up on the sofa, a cool frappe by my side, I have read quite a bit over the past two months. The television stands as a piece of the furniture, firmly switched off and from the plugs I may add, in case there is a power cut my mother casually mentions, whatever that's got to do with it. In truth I have the TV shut off for a reason. Since my family and I are not entertained by the delights of contraband Dream Box (out of choice I may add), we have to make do with Cypriot television. In the summer it's mostly boring re-runs which tend to annoy me beyond reason. You get the Star Channel with the hot goss mainly about what the would-be Hollywood Greek celebrities are doing or how Dimitri from Thessaloniki is finding the Skiathos summer clubbing scene. Boozed-up young people letting their hair down for one more time. It's entertaining but up to a point.

Then there's Euronews, on all day thanks to digital, if you are thinking deep meaningful world affairs, but even that gets dull. The highlight for most Cypriots is the evening news. Sensationalism knows no boundaries. Forget Euronews Cypriot news is a whole different ball game with the channels competing on who will attract the highest number of viewers. It's mediocre to low standard reporting, with over-dramatic voice-over which is anxious to the ear, but people still watch because quite simply there is nothing else on. Except of course PIK 2 which has some pop songs to entertain the youngsters or a David Attenborough documentary for those who out of principle refuse to watch the news.

When early autumn hits the all new mainland Greek and Cypriot series' make their debut. To be fair there is some good stuff and it's time to sit through the quiet winter months eating pistachios or whatever there is on hand and watch the same actors play different parts, some comic, some serious.
In the days when Cypriot television only had one channel and only beginning in the afternoon, television has come a long way here in Cyprus, some may say the wrong way. There is more choice and in a way it has broadened the horizons of the average Cypriot viewer but there is still a long way to go. Trash often wins over quality. Good reporting over clownish drama. Some things need to take a bit of a U-turn. So for now it's back to my book.