convergence

As more new technology becomes popular and TV stations struggle to get as large audiences as before, what we see is more convergence. This is where TV shows don't just broadcast a programme on TV but involve us by using mobile phones, internet sites, radio and newspapers. All the media together provides us with an entertaining experience and makes more money for the production companies to help pay for the production costs.

eric are the days of event tv over?

iPlayer and hard disc recorders like Sky Plus have affected 'watercooler TV', which is the term used to describe TV shows that are so popular that everyone talks about them the next day around the watercooler (or in the playground at breaktime!). They have also affected 'event TV', shows that become an event in themselves. Everyone tunes in together, it is talked about on radio and in the papers. Examples of this are Big Brother or Pop Idol finals or the Doctor Who Christmas specials. You can't watch it a few days later as you'll have found out what happened. Before video recorders were common soap operas and one-off shows like the Morecambe and Wise Christmas special shows were also examples of event TV because if you missed the show you couldn’t watch it on repeat or on video.

A TV show like Strictly Come Dancing will have 'news' stories in newspapers, be gossiped about on radio shows and daytime TV chat shows, and there will be a website for official news and information. The website may also let you watch live (such as with Big Brother) or let you download 'goodies' like video clips or wallpaper for your computer. Chances are you can also access it on your mobile phone to get specially produced content for your phone that you can share with your friends by bluetooth. This is all to encourage you to watch the show regularly, form attachments with participants and to spend money voting for them (using your TV remote, phone or computer).

TV Producer Activity

In small groups

Plan a reality TV or talent show. Work out the idea (such as a celebrity juggling contest in the jungle or a tap dancing competition in the desert!)

  • What will the contestants have to do?
  • How will the audience or judges eliminate contestants?
  • What will the format be for each episode or show? For example a narrated summary of the week's challenges, the contest, voting, elimination, tears and goodbye of the eliminated contestant, hints and suspense about next week's challenges to keep the viewers watching next week.
  • How are you going to engage and involve your audience? Could you use different media like internet and mobile phones?

Pitch

Pitch your programme idea to the rest of the class (who are the TV station executives)

Judge

The station can only afford one new TV show this season. Which one will you choose?