Blog Post 6 : Television

Major TV networks such as ABC and NBC play an important role in media such as advertising. It reaches a bigger audience too. Even so, organizations today can see that there is a general decline in cable subscribers instead, the media today appears to have an increase in broadband subscribership. The fate of these top TV networks in the future is still unclear but there are many reasons why the possibility 

of it being extinct in the next 10-15 years is high.

Technology is progressing fairly quickly nowadays. With all the new ways to utilize the media, you can now watch TV shows without a television by using our wireless devices such as phones, tablets and computers. It also loads in fast speeds which is a main attraction to most consumers. This is one of the first steps towards the extinction of TV networks.

Besides that, most people today go on their laptops to watch videos and TV shows with the help of Internet. Moreover, Internet is free of charge so we do not have to pay every month for our television subscription. 

Other than that, TV ads are expensive, especially from the major TV networks like ABC. Consumers would prefer a free platform where they can advertise their products effectively with a low or zero cost and the World Wide Web offers that.

In conclusion, there is a possibility that TV networks will no longer be around in the near future due to these many reasons. New innovations will then be unveiled to the world of media for the many consumers out there. These innovations such as the Internet will soon become a utility, just like power 

and water.

Social media has played an important role on our relationship with television shows. This is because that many television programmes uses social media to promote their shows. For example, TV programmes will promote a single “hashtag”, and the “hashtag” will trend around the region, country or even worldwide. Social Media has also helped TV programmes in terms of establishing a fan base. This is because fans will usually gather together in social media and therefore using social media as a medium to communicate, share their thoughts to the producer, director of the television programme.

Social media made a great impact on the way we watch television shows. This is because social media sites allow users to update each other on the latest episodes released, this way audiences around the world can easily keep track of the series. Also, social media such as Facebook also play a great impact. Torrent uploaders usually have their own page that people can subscribe to, and with every latest episode that is released, the uploader will update the subscribers regarding the latest information. Also, audiences can share their thoughts and discoveries in social media. But on the negative side, audiences will upload pirated videos on site.

Reality TV series are hard to tell whether they are real or merely just scripted. For game shows, there are a few that come across realistic and some do not. For example, the Masterchef series. It is highly realistic that the contestants in Masterchef have the skills and innovation to produce high class dishes. However, what about Junior Masterchef? The children are from the ages 9-12 years old. People who watch the series for the first time might be very impressed, but is it convincing enough? Can you imagine a 10-year-old boy knowing how to mix and match ingredients, and preparing the dishes equivalent to what they serve in the restaurant? According to research, these children are wannabe actors, not wannabe chefs. The cameras do not actually shoot them cooking. Although this can seem very deceiving, it can bring motivation to younger viewers to achieve their dreams of being a good cook.

Other than that, some of the reality TV shows that show the daily lifestyles of celebrities really make you wonder. For instance, Keeping Up with the Kardashians gives the audience a peek of how they live their life. The problems they face make you wonder if they are just for show or are they for real. It is a well-known fact that problems are inevitable but the problems and conflicts they show in the show are either too cliché or personal. It may be a good motivation for people to achieve money and success like them, however by watching TV shows like this can also make people more materialistic.

Next, reality TV shows that changes the lives of people are really inspiring. One of those include the famous show - The Biggest Loser. These shows have a big impact on teenagers because it teaches them that prevention is better than cure. It shows teenagers how it’s like to be physically unfit, and how important it is to stay healthy and eat the right food while growing up. It gives them a taste of reality and how obesity can be a major problem among citizens. It also shows teenagers how lucky and blessed they are for not having to face health issues, especially obesity. Also, it is a health show for teenagers but with enhanced entertainment because they are able to learn about calories, and how many calories are contained in different food. This can help them to control their daily intake and focus on healthier food like vegetables and fruits. It is a big question if the challenges and problems are fake or real, but it does send a good message to the audience and most of the episodes are very meaningful.

Unlike the others, I truly believe that shows like American Idol, The Voice and Britain’s Got Talent are not scripted. Maybe they are but only a minor part. The parts where I find sceptical are some of the people who auditions for the show that performed horribly. These shows give people an opportunity to have their destiny changed forever, be it an actor, an artist, or a comedian. The comments given by the judges are honest, and they can actually improve as they are getting closer to the entertainment industry. These shows play a huge impact towards teenagers because it shows them that dreams can come true when you pursue them. Artists like One Direction, Lee Dewyze, and Adam Lambert were normal human beings till the shows gave them the opportunity of a lifetime to become an official artist in the music industry. Not only did they inspire teenagers out there, they also set a good impression towards older people. Just like Susan Boyle, she emerges from Britain’s Got Talent and proves to everybody that no matter how old you are, you can actually achieve what you want if you believe and take initiative.

Blog post by :

1) Writers : Shu Faye, Belle & Alex.

2) Editor : Amy.

3) Researcher : Au Yang.