Meaning: The quote by Rory Bremner, a well-known comedian, reflects on the changes in television and media consumption over the years. Bremner is highlighting the shift from a time when there were only three television channels available to the multitude of options and platforms that exist today. This shift has significantly impacted how people consume media and the way it shapes our collective experiences as a society.

Bremner's reference to "the three channels" likely alludes to the limited number of television channels that were available in many countries during the mid-20th century, including the United Kingdom, where Bremner is from. In the UK, the three main channels referred to are BBC One, BBC Two, and ITV. This limited selection meant that a large portion of the population was tuning in to the same programs each evening, creating a shared cultural experience.

During this era, television played a central role in shaping public discourse and popular culture. The programming available on these few channels had a significant impact on societal norms, values, and entertainment. Viewers often watched the same news broadcasts, sitcoms, and variety shows, providing a common foundation for shared experiences and conversations.

Bremner's use of the metaphor "we all sat down to the same meal at the end of the day" emphasizes the idea of television as a communal experience. Families and individuals would gather around the TV at the end of the day, much like coming together for a shared meal, to engage with the content that was available. This shared experience fostered a sense of national unity and collective engagement with the media.

However, Bremner contrasts this with the present day, where he describes "an explosion" in media options. This explosion refers to the proliferation of cable and satellite television channels, streaming services, on-demand content, and social media platforms. The modern media landscape offers an unprecedented array of choices, allowing individuals to curate their own viewing experiences based on personal preferences and interests.

This shift has had profound effects on how media is consumed and how it shapes our understanding of the world. With the abundance of options, individuals are no longer limited to a few shared experiences, but instead have the freedom to explore a wide range of content tailored to their specific tastes. This has led to the fragmentation of audiences and the diversification of media consumption habits.

Moreover, the rise of social media and online platforms has transformed the way we engage with media and each other. Instead of a few centralized sources of information and entertainment, we now have a decentralized and interconnected media ecosystem. This has resulted in the proliferation of niche communities and subcultures, as well as the spread of diverse perspectives and voices.

In conclusion, Rory Bremner's quote encapsulates the profound transformation of media consumption from a shared, limited experience to a diverse, personalized one. The shift from "the three channels" to the current media landscape reflects the evolving nature of technology, society, and culture. It also raises important questions about the impact of these changes on our collective experiences and sense of national unity in an increasingly fragmented media environment.