[Stuart]

Surely the point of having the Live DOG on a programme like Dancing On Ice is to highlight that literally anything could happen and to heighten the jeopardy.

It’s  one of the many elements that adds to the theatre of the show, along with glitzy titles, flashy lighting and dramatic music. Yes, it’s a bit crap if the DOG is positioned badly, but I don’t see why it’s existence would be an issue for anyone.

Isn't all that rather irrelevant if a large chunk of your audience are either downloading it later or have it on their PVR?

I am equally dismayed at the over use of the Live DOG during news programmes.  Fair enough, if you're reporting from the location of a developing story, but It diminishes the importance if you slap it on an unnecessary OB discussing fuel prices from a forecourt in Fulham.