The Oscars are a ratings dud. Nielsen Media Research says preliminary ratings for the 80th annual Academy Awards telecast are 14 percent lower than the least-watched ceremony ever.
I was a part of the vast majority that didn't tune in. If I want to see shallow, self-satisfied people congratulating themselves, I'll just go to the next Hoosier State Press Association awards banquet. You know what might have made a good show? If the writers strike had continued and they put the Oscars on anyway, with the presenters and hosts just saying normal things instead of scripted "wit."
