"Television was supposed to be a national park. Instead it has become a money machine. It's a commodity now, just like pork bellies"

Fred W. Friendly's quote poignantly captures the improvement of tv from a public service medium into a commercial enterprise. In this statement, he contrasts the initial idealistic vision of television as a "national park" with its present status as a "cash maker" comparable to "pork stubborn bellies."

The metaphor of a "national park" stimulates imagery of a civil service that is safeguarded, valued, and available to all, an area created to contribute to the general public excellent and improve the neighborhood. Initially, television was seen as a platform with terrific potential for educating and enlightening the public, supplying access to cultural and informative material, and serving as a unifying force in society. It was to be a medium that served the public interest, similar to a park that uses natural beauty for all to enjoy easily.

In stark contrast, Friendly recognizes the present nature of television as a "money maker". This suggests that the primary focus of tv has shifted to creating profit, frequently at the cost of its original function. The comparison to "pork stomaches", a commodity traded for earnings in financial markets, highlights this shift in function. Much like pork bellies, television material is now packaged, marketed, and offered, its value identified primarily by its marketability and capability to attract marketers.

Friendly's critique highlights the commercialization and commodification of television, where programming decisions are driven more by ratings and profits potential than by the medium's ability to notify or uplift society. As networks and cable channels contend for audience share, sensationalism and home entertainment frequently eclipse educational or substantive material.

Eventually, Friendly laments the loss of television's potential to function as a societal steward, dealing with the requirements and interests of the public. His observation serves as a tip of the broader tension between public service and business interests in media, a story that continues to unfold as digital and streaming platforms emerge, additional making complex the media landscape.