The impact of new/digital media on TV: blog task

The impact of new/digital media on TV: blog task

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

'Industry' 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?

He states that there has been a significant shift in cultural production. 

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

- Niche audiences are increasingly targeted. This shows that the market is starting to grow and there are media productions being made to suit nearly everyone now.

- Digitisation has allowed the technology sector to compete directly with traditional media companies. This shows that there is space even for smaller productions in the market now, newer trends and changes are able to compete with traditional market meaning they are now just as good and getting onto high levels.

- There has been an increase in media corporations owning companies in different sectors of the industry. Large companies are producing content suitable for more than one target group; the business as a whole has a mass market although they are producing different content being aimed at niche markets.

4) What is technological convergence? 

Media technological convergence is the tendency that as technology changes, different technological system sometimes evolve toward performing similar tasks.

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

Technology companies haven’t had to invest vast amounts of money in a distribution network, such as cable or satellite. They also use the internet which means the whole world has access to view their content; getting them more views and fans around the world compared to traditional broadcasters.

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

- 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?

- Netflix launched itself in 130 new countries and is now available in 190 countries.

- Amazon is open in 200 countries.

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?

Netflix have created a Japanese version of one of their successful series 'Stranger Things' so that non-english speakers can enjoy the show without having to use subtitles. 

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. Google has yet to make the same move, obviously satisfied with the amount of money it makes from serving up other people’s material; from YouTube and the search engine. 

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

The changes in technology have influenced shows such as Capital and Deutschland 83 as they are now able to reach out to a larger group of audience and have global viewers as online streaming gives people in other countries access to watch the series. 

People are more influenced to create different types of content as they are able to research and get an overview of what types of shows people are now enjoying or how to target their niche or mass audience and produce content to suit them and also market it in a form so that it reaches out to them.