Actually, I loved in Luhrmann's Romeo & Juliet the use of the newscaster to modernize the opening narration.

Desparate Housewives did it with Gabi having one early in the series (and her pregnancy. This was especially irritating, since the show implied it was caused by her falling down the stairs - It doesn't take an ER-style on-staff doctor to tell you that's complete BS

Let's not forget that the guy in interrogation who says "I have no idea what you're talking about" is always the guy that did it.

How about the end of dramas when they play some sad song and show images of the characters looking emotional and contemplative. Content? Nah, don't need that, just background music.