What is Roku?
“Roku” is that little box which connects your tv to the various streaming services. (Or in some cases it can be the television itself.) I’ve used it for about ten years without a problem.
Recently the company was sold to a new owner. They updated their firmware last week, apparently along with their corporate mentality.
Curious about the new features on their Home screen, today I clicked the “For You” button to see what Roku proclaims to be “The Best Across Your Streaming Services.”
What I found there made my hand freeze on the remote. It was certainly not “the best of streaming services.” Not even a little.
What Would Jesus View?
What I found was hard-Right MAGA content, tucked between the “List of Subscribed Channels” and “In Memory of Sam Neill.” Even more to the point, it was glued there, and I was utterly unable to remove it.
You read that right: Roku’s new owner is now force-feeding us MAGA content.
They call it the “Angel” network. Which sounds neutral and safe until you check out the lineup: sweet, stirring hits like “Charlie Kirk: American Hero.” Really, Roku?? On what planet was that hateful beast any part of America, much less a hero?
And you cannot wipe this trash off your screen. It’s glued to the “For You” recs by default, when you first boot your Roku.
I mean sure, Roku, if you want to be an idiot, it’s still a free country. You have a right to say whatever idiocy you want. But you do not have the right to make me to see it.
And buying a corporation just to make that happen is lower than lower than low. I am sick of this!
So what’s a fox like me to do? When faced with offensive trash like this, maybe it’s time to turn the tables. If MAGAs can bitch about offensive content, then so can I!
So I texted Roku support to let them know my opinion of the new content lineup. (Transcript below.)
Support
By using the Roku Support Bot and chat support, you agree that Roku and its partners AWS and Quiq may monitor and record this conversation for quality purposes.
Hello, I’m the Roku Support Bot. I can help with common questions, or get you to an advisor.
How can I help you today?
Me: How do I remove “Angel” channel from the “For You” recommendations.
Roku Support Bot
You can hide recommendation rows on your Home Screen. To do this, highlight a Quick Access tile and press the Star button on your Roku remote.
Me: Give me a human please.
Roku Support Bot
Would you like to connect with a Roku advisor?
Me: Yes give me a human please.
Roku Support Bot
I can connect you with an advisor for further assistance. Could you share your full name and email address?
Me: <name redacted>
Roku Support Bot
Please hold while I connect you with an advisor.
Roku Advisor
Please hold while we find the next available advisor.
<support tech’s name> has joined the chat.
Me: Hello <support tech’s name>.
Roku Advisor
Thank you for contacting Roku. My name is <support tech’s nickname>, and I’ll be your product specialist today.
Me: <support tech’s nickname> it is.
Roku Advisor
I’m sorry if you’re experiencing some problem with your Roku device. I’m willing to assist you and try my best to resolve the problem.
Just to make sure I’m on the same page, I understand your concern is about removing channels from recommendations Is that correct?
Me: Yes on the new Roku home screen there is a “For You” section. On that section, beneath the Streaming Services, there is an “Angel” channel listing many shows. I am unable to remove this Angel channel.
Roku Advisor
Don’t worry I will do my best to help you out with your concern. I appreciate your efforts in trying to resolve this. To help me identify the next best step, could you let me know what troubleshooting you’ve already performed and what the results were?
Me: I have highlighted the “Angel” channel and pressed the Star Button. This resulted in an “error” sound effect from the Roku unit.
Roku Advisor
Thank you for that, try these. Press the home button then scroll down and hit the settings, then select home screen then select recommendations then select hide.
Me: The checkbox next to “Hide” is already selected.
Roku Advisor
Select show then select again the hide, then check if the Angels still there.
Me: This “Angel” channel appears on the “For You” section in the new Home setup. (Yes I did toggle it off and back on. There is no change.)
I cannot let my children see this “Angel” channel content. There is deeply disturbing material here.
Roku Advisor
I understand.
Can you try these, press the home button then press the arrow right button and then highlighted again the Angel app then press the start button and check if there’s a remove option there.
Me: It isn’t an app, it’s a channel that appears in the “For You” section on the Home Screen. And it lists the most disturbing shows. I can’t even list them they are so disgusting.
There is NO REMOVE button! that is why I am so upset!
I cannot get this disgusting filth off my television! What has become of Roku??!
Roku Advisor
Have you tried to set a parental control on your Roku?
Me: Does anyone in your department know how to remove this Angel channel please?
I’m sorry but I will have to contact my attorney about this. Having this kind of content where anyone can see it simply isn’t acceptable.
Whoever changed Roku should be ashamed of themselves.
Roku Advisor
I’m so sorry about what happened, using your Roku remote can you press the home button 5 times quickly then after that press the back button 5 times quickly also. Provide the issue id and GC version.
Me: … nothing.
Forget it.