Television at the Crossroads [Hardcover]

Television had, until recently, a social and cultural purpose. The BBC, and to a lesser extent ITV and Channel 4, were committed by the legal instruments establishing them to develop and maintain these purposes. With the enlargement of the range of choices for viewers by digital television and the provision of access to cable and satellite TV and the Internet, the role of the terrestrial television channels is being diluted. The authors examine the effects of this and consider whether anything can be done to maintain the standards and quality of television at a time of unlimited competition.Dedication List of Tables List of Figures Foreword PART I: THE FRAMEWORK Moving the Goalposts Needs Must when Innovation Drives The Accountants Drive Out the Guardians PART II: THE CONTENT That's All We Have Time For: News and Current Affairs Sport: Does the Tail Wag the Dog? The Battle for Ratings: Peak Hour Schedules The Exploitation of Emotion Minority Programmes: A Major Problem PART III: THE FUTURE Shoring-up the Stable Door: The Limits of Regulation Professionals in Search of a Profession Television at the Crossroads: Which Way to Turn? Bibliography Index

'...a careful, well-balanced analysis...' - Choice

GEORGE WEDELL is Professor Emeritus of Communications Policy in the University of Manchester. He is author/co-editor of many publications relating to radio and television broadcasting and was general editor of the Media Monograph series.

BRYAN LUCKHAM, Consultant, was previously Director of Advanced Studies for the European Institute for the Media in Manchester and Dusseldorf. He is the author of books and published articles on mass media and primary communications.