More sound advice about TV shows

I have just been reading the letters about background noise. I have a question for the programme makers. Why? Why do you think people need background music? Why do you think it is necessary to drown out talking on programmes? It adds nothing to the programme/segment. It just takes away viewers’ enjoyment because they have to concentrate on what is being said. As for changing settings or putting the audio through a stereo system, not everyone knows how to do this (and why should we anyway?) or can afford to upgrade or buy a surround sound system. If I wanted to listen to music instead of watching TV, I would switch the telly off and put my radio on. So please, please, please “stop the background music” and let us watch and listen to what is being said. I have emailed and messaged TVNZ and Breakfast several times about this but, to date, I have had no response to any of my e-mails or messages. Poor customer service.

L Neville (Papamoa)

Our gripe is the background music to many of the New Zealand programmes, especially Seven Sharp. As one who has impaired hearing I find the practice of the loud music blaring away means I cannot hear what the presenters are saying. I know there have been several letters on this matter, and I wonder if the TV producers are plain stupid or are aware of what they are doing. It is time they woke up and produced programmes that have softer noise backgrounds so that people can enjoy the programme.

Frustrated Viewer (Palmerston North)