In the back offices of “Win a Medical Procedure”, the network accountant, Ted Minutia was working on more budget driven changes to the popular game show when the show’s host Wink Atyalawya strolled in with confidence befitting a, well befitting a game show host.
“You seem to be working feverishly Ted. What changes are brewing,” asked Wink.
“Well I’m trying to incorporate pharmaceuticals into our game show prizes but it’s like trying to hit a moving target.”
“I told you that was a fast path to a sanitarium visit.”
“Yea, I took that as a challenge. I mean how bad could a sanitarium visit be?”
“I have no clue but after the last two and a half years it sounds inviting. Maybe we should look into offering one in our prize packages. I am certainly not the only person needing one to be sure. “
“That’s a good idea sir. I may have to go on a fact finding mission to one soon.”
“Well complete the changes you’re working on first. In case you find facts you like and decide not to come back.”
“Yea , um , ok.”
“Have you come up with a workable solution to fit pharmaceuticals into our budget?”
“Workable is a very subjective term. We would either have to sign up 40 more sponsors or five or six really benevolent ones.”
“You mean a few that think we are a charitable organization?”
“Yes. That’s about right.”
“For the moment let’s just assume that is not possible, let alone legal. What about the additional 40 sponsors. Is that manageable?”
“Manageable is another subjective term. Is it manageable to cut down the current 23 minutes of show into 15 minutes so we could squeeze the additional commercials into the show?”
“Manageable yes, reasonable no. We are already rushing to award two winners in the allotted time. We could only award one and be a fraction into the second before having to break for the day.”
“Well it could be a cliff hanger.”
“Hmm and with medical care on the line that would really be riveting.”
“Since the weeks shows are all filmed in a day back to back it would only seem life threatening to the viewer. “
“That’s right so no additional risk. Sweet.”
“But will the viewer tune in for a shortened show?”
“Oh I think they will be just as entertained finding out the side affects for various pharmaceuticals if not more than the show.”
“Brilliant! Lets do it,” declared Wink.
