TG4 - Update Your Website
Sometimes you come across websites that have one or two things that need a change. Other times you find that the wrecking ball is the only option. Welcome to the TG4 website - a website that certainly needs the attention of the wrecking ball.
TG4 is the 4th largest television station in Ireland. It deals primarily with Irish language programming. In global terms it is a small TV network but it is not a small little company, it has about 80 employees and safeguards about another 300 jobs in independent production. So for a national broadcaster to have a website such as thing is disgraceful. TV networks have access to some of the finest designers and animators around so why persist with an awful website.
The main problem for me is the complete lack of content and the TG4’s lack of understanding of their own brand. Marquees and images were fine in 1995 but not now. The links are blurry images with no alternative text. The top advertisement imitates the most gaudy of flash advertising. Who are they making this website for?
The central 4 images, are only labelled on mouseover. Why give prime real estate to something and then not label it. How can you provide subtitles for programs and not give image alternatives or use text?
Overall, the colour choices are harsh and unforgiving. There is no understanding of who the audience is and what should be provided to them. The accessibility is a joke and content is hidden and of poor quality.
This website is not a fair reflection on what is quite often an interesting and thought provoking TV channel. Websites should match the ethos of a company, not merely be a forgotten item on a to-do list. TG4 should stand for Irish craftmanship, detail, culture and history. It should provide information and aim to be as inclusive as possible. To promote something you must connect to people. The TG4 website could connect to the world, but it does not. This site has a long road to redemption.
Posted 05.11.07