Democracy in the 20th century is intimately linked to the communications media. Understanding the functioning and health of contemporary political systems requires an appreciation of the role of the media in general and in particular, television. The theoretical concepts of civil society and the public sphere are clarified alongside a critical analysis of the practice of television as journalism, as information and as entertainment. The author demonstrates the limits and possibilites of the television medium and the formats of popular journalism. These questions are linked to the potential of the audience to interpret or resist messages, and to construct its own meanings. What does a realistic understanding of the working and capabilites of television imply for citizenship and democracy in a mediated age? Relatiing the social and cultural theory of mediated societies to the actual realities of televised communication, this text should be useful reading for students of media and communication studies, sociology and politics of the media.
Combining institutional textual and audience analysis, this book introduces students to the factors which have shaped television's development in contemporary Europe, and invites them to assess the issues that are at stake in its future. Divided into three parts, the book moves from the European broadcasting environment, through current ......
Combining institutional textual and audience analysis, this book introduces students to the factors which have shaped television's development in contemporary Europe, and invites them to assess the issues that are at stake in its future. Divided into three parts, the book moves from the European broadcasting environment, through current ......
In the history of American TV only four sitcoms have been true hits - All in the Family, The Beverley Hillbillies, Laverne and Shirley and The Cosby Show. This book seeks to account for the appeal of these sitcoms, detailing the factors that go into the construction of mass audiences.
In the history of American TV only four sitcoms have been true hits - All in the Family, The Beverley Hillbillies, Laverne and Shirley and The Cosby Show. This book seeks to account for the appeal of these sitcoms, detailing the factors that go into the construction of mass audiences.
Steve Allen created the "Tonight" show, America's longest running entertainment show and most successful late-night TV show. This book presents the history of the first "Tonight" show, complete with photos from the show and insights from over 30 entertainment legends who knew and worked with Steve Allen.
