Ted Rall for June 28, 2001
Transcript:
Most Americans have never seen "The Sopranos," but feel as if they have- thanks to countless references to it in print. Soon a show won't even have to exist in order to become a big hit... (Man: "Cheesebarn" is huge! It enjoys a 42% share among the coveted 18-to-40 demographic in the theoretical media index.) (Man 2: "Cheesebarn" hasn't even been pitched yet. Why should my company sponsor ads on a non-existent program?) (Man 3: Yeah!) (Man 1: "Cheesebarn" exists in our hearts and minds. It's mentioned in countless other shows and columns. And because "cheesebarn" doesn't exist, your "ads" cost nothing to not produce! We simly leak the news that you're a sponsor. The next thing you know, you're part of something-nothing-really big!) (Man 2: Count us in for 2 ersatz ads per episode for the next 3 seasons.) (Man 1: Good call. Can we put you in for syndication?)