National Geographic Channel Blows It Again

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SUMMARY

The National Geographic Channel's program "Confederate Flying Machine" failed to effectively concept-test the steam-powered airplane design by Confederate inventor R.O. Davidson. The show deviated from Davidson's original design, incorporating 20th-century concepts instead, and concluded without validating the concept. Viewers expressed disappointment, comparing the program's quality to that of the History Channel and TLC, indicating a decline in National Geographic's programming standards.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of historical aviation concepts, particularly steam-powered flight.
  • Familiarity with R.O. Davidson's contributions to aeronautics.
  • Knowledge of television programming standards and audience expectations.
  • Ability to critically analyze documentary content and its adherence to historical accuracy.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research R.O. Davidson's original design for the "Artis Avis" and its historical context.
  • Explore the evolution of steam-powered aircraft and their significance in aviation history.
  • Investigate the programming strategies of National Geographic Channel and its competitors.
  • Analyze viewer feedback and critiques of historical documentaries for insights on content quality.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for historians, aviation enthusiasts, documentary filmmakers, and anyone interested in the evolution of historical programming on television.

BadBrain
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I've just seen a program(me) on the National Geographic Channel entitled: "Confederate Flying Machine", which started out as an attempt to concept-test a design for a "Artis Avis" ("Artificial Bird", or aeroplane) by Confederate inventor R.O. Davidson, but soon became a concept test of the steam=powered airplane perse, using an airframe which used 20th Century concepts in place of Davidson's original design, The program(me) ended without having proven the concept.

Well, sorry, but just look at this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nw6NFmcnW-8
 
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That sounds more like History Channel. Sounds like, if that really was NGC, it might be starting to go the way of TLC and the History Channel.
 
Whovian:

Yes, it was National Geographic all right.

Here's a review of the show:

http://www.madsystems.com/?p=2255