Topic: Techtv

7 chapters across the catalog

New Screw
Episode 1703 1:35:26 - 1:42:12

1703: New Screw

Teleprompter Failures, TechTV and MTV Production Stories

Following a teleprompter glitch during a Kamala Harris town hall, the hosts recount their own professional experiences with prompter failures on TechTV and MTV. They discuss the skill required to write for prompters and the difficulty of transitioning to paper scripts during live broadcasts.

Oatmeal
Episode 701 47:46 - 49:26

701: Oatmeal

MTV Virtual Sets, TechTV Production Gimmicks

A retrospective on television production gimmicks describes the "Light Switch" era at MTV, which utilized virtual sets and blue screen technology. One host recalls being placed inside a virtual television on a diner counter to announce music videos. Similar experiences at TechTV involved talking to remote guests who were actually located in the same studio but separated by digital backgrounds.

Get A Shot of Protection With The No Agenda Show!
Episode 110 16:56 - 20:14

110: Get A Shot of Protection With The No Agenda Show!

Podcast Metrics, TechTV Legacy, Natalie Del Conte

Podcast listenership is compared favorably against cable news ratings, with claims that niche digital shows often reach larger audiences than daytime MSNBC segments. The career trajectory of Natalie Del Conte is highlighted, noting her move from technology journalism to a role on the CBS morning show. Historical viewership for TechTV's "Screensavers" is estimated at 40,000, significantly lower than modern top-tier podcast audiences.

Save This Polar Bear
Episode 63 13:05 - 16:20

63: Save This Polar Bear

ZDTV, TechTV, Dell Murder Mysteries, Lost Media History

John C. Dvorak recounts his efforts to save his television archives from ZDTV and TechTV after the networks attempted to discard them. A similar anecdote involves book packager Bob McCoy rescuing original oil painting cover art for Dell murder mysteries from a dumpster. The segment highlights the frequent destruction of cultural and corporate history by accountants seeking to reduce storage costs.

Save This Polar Bear
Episode 63 1:18:55 - 1:21:44

63: Save This Polar Bear

San Francisco Homelessness, Big Thinkers Hats, TechTV

John C. Dvorak describes his habit of handing out "Big Thinkers" hats from his time at TechTV to homeless people in the San Francisco Bay Area. The hosts discuss the increasing visibility of poverty in both California and London, noting that people in San Francisco have become jaded to the presence of beggars at freeway exits.

Start Using Canteens
Episode 16 10:25 - 12:17

16: Start Using Canteens

Natalie Del Conte, TechTV Hostess Audition Rumors

A listener comment addresses a joke regarding the hiring of unconventional hostesses for a tech show, expressing concern that the humor might be misinterpreted by Natalie Del Conte. The hosts clarify that there was never a serious intention to hire adult industry workers. They further critique Del Conte's new show, noting its similarity to her previous work despite technical issues with lighting and set design.