TV: The impact of new/digital media on television

1) What does the 'industry' concept in A Level Media Studies refer to?


The ‘industry’ concept refers to the companies that create and distribute media texts, the standard practices of media production, as well as the regulatory and legal frameworks in which the companies operate.

2) What does David Hesmondhalgh argue with regards to how the creative industries have changed since the 1980s?

Hesmondhalgh, broadly speaking, argues that since the 1980s there’s been
a significant shift in cultural production. Deregulation has reduced public ownership and
Advertising ‘dollars’ have significantly increased as has cross promotion within texts.

3) Choose the three most significant points Hesmondhalgh makes regarding the changing cultural industries. Why are these the most significant in your view?


Cultural industries have moved closer to the centre of economic action. There has been an increase in media corporations owning companies in different sectors of the industry. Globalisation has meant media texts can circulate more easily across borders reducing North American dominance.

4) What is technological convergence? 

The combination of media products so that they can be accessed on new and emerging devices. For example, Smart TV can replace normal, older TV's as they are dated and can disrupt the market. 

5) How are technology companies challenging traditional broadcasters in the TV industry?


In 2017 Facebook launched Watch, which hosted original ‘reality TV’ programming. While distinct from users’ timelines, this has blurred the line between being a platform and a
broadcaster. Google has yet to make the same move, obviously satisfied with the amount of money it makes from serving up other people’s material, which is what a search engine and its YouTube platform does.

6) What budgets will Netflix, Amazon and Apple spend on original programming next year according to the article?


Next year Netflix plans to spend $8bn on original material; Amazon’s budget is estimated at $4.5bn. Apple has recently joined the fray with a $1bn spend.

7) How many countries are Netflix and Amazon available in?


In 2016 Netflix simultaneously launched its service in 130 new countries, bringing its
total to 190, and Amazon opened in 200. Going global means they have to pay for the license to broadcast individual shows in different countries so another advantage of creating their own content is that Netflix or Amazon automatically own the copyright for the programmes and don’t have to purchase additional distribution permissions.

8) The global nature of modern television means producers are having to consider international audiences when creating content. What example from Netflix does the article use to explain this?

How the monster's name from Stranger Things was derived from a lot of translations of the original D&D name.

9) Do you think technology companies such as Google, Facebook and Amazon will increase their interest in the television industry?


In 2017 Facebook launched Watch, which hosted original ‘reality TV’ programming. While distinct from users’ timelines, this has blurred the line between being a platform and a broadcaster. Google has yet to make the same move. I think that these companies will use their expertise in order to dominate the TV industry by making it available all online.

10) How do changes in technology influence the creation of TV dramas such as Capital or Deutschland 83? How?

Deutschland 83 is available on Amazon prime video as well as Channel 4. The fact that it is available on Amazon Prime shows how it can be successful in other countries too. Capital is available on BBC i player which is then available to binge watch.