Module Questions

As part of our blog presentation, we were given these questions based on Broadcasting and Media, to explore and derive answers for them through knowledge and research. Here are my answers to those questions.

Why are studios used to make programmes when tape is so cheap and available?

There are several reasons why studios are used to make programmes when we have portable technology features such as tapes which are cheap and always available.

Firstly the consistency of the layout is one factor that is very effective within a studio. Having to change locations may cause serious problems and stress whereas maintaining the same location keeps target audiences familiarised with show, as they will understand the sequential feature that exist in their show. In terms of trying to create a mood, or a certain feeling, using a studio makes this much easier as it is easier to create a maybe, homely, educational, or theatrical setting. Basically what is being conveyed is that maintaining the same set design will be much easier in the studio.

What are magazine programmes? Why do Audiences like Them?

Magazine shows are TV programmes that are formatted to include a range of commentaries and interviews. There are two types of T.V shows. They are general magazine shows and specialist magazine shows.

There are noticeable differences between these two types of magazine shows. First of all, the specialist magazine show is a show that is based in the studio which focuses on one subject. For example ‘football focus’ for football lovers on the BBC, and Top Gear, that only has a main focus on Cars. http://www.bbc.co.uk/topgear/

Whereas, on the other hand, the general magazine shows are made up of considered topics or items on a range of subjects which have been chosen to appeal to its audience. Shows such as This Morning consist of a variety of articles which makes it a very topical show that attempts to entertain as well as inform audiences about latest issues around. Their focus is on different aspects of lifestyle, which also relates to their catch phrase used which is “making life a little easier”. http://www.itv.com/lifestyle/thismorning/?cmpid=V_thismorning

Magazine programmes usually introduce guests and celebrities as they will promote their
show, “which means getting more viewers to watch it”. The whole technique of inviting interesting guests is all for audience’s interests and for this reason audiences like them. They like what they see because they are expecting these varieties of topics to happen in their favourite up-to-date show. http://www.scribd.com/doc/16784614/Magazine-Show-Examples

What are the limitations of magazine programmes? How can they be improved to ensure they continue?

In terms of limitations, we are looking at expiration in chosen topics or lack of new articles. These mainly occur in specialist magazine programmes whereby, the organizations which produce them have to maintain the same subject. Therefore they are limited because a subject can only be expanded up to a certain level, which will as a result cause them to run out of ideas as new subjects cannot be brought in and expanded on.

Furthermore, there are ways of improvement in order to ensure their continuation. The most common ways are usually ensuring that the information and topics provided are relevant to present day issues or else, it has already failed to appeal to multiple audiences. Another way of ensuring that they stay consistent is by maintaining house style and target audience. For example, having Top Gear trying to appeal to the Elderly and young aged children. It is bound to lose interests. Although it is a difficult job to keep consistency, it is also vital that there are back-up plans if the show does fail to impress. If a show is losing audience interests, I believe that it is due to the topics which are being fed to the target audience. The modern-day society tends to submit to a lifestyle of “uses and gratification”. This means that audiences choose what shows they want to watch due to its relevance to their lifestyle maybe, culture, or just simply interests, after this, they show some gratification by commenting on the show, or relating it to the events around. However, to ensure that a show doesn’t lose its value, they have to maintain, up-to date modern interests.

Consider other sources of distribution for magazine type shows

With the emergence of integrated media and media convergence in our society, magazine shows can benefit hugely from audiences participation and input. With the world fast becoming a place whereby the hypodermic syringes are slowly deteriorating, audiences now participate in what they are fed and show interests in what they consume. Their ways of expressing their interests are usually through forms of gratification such as on YouTube where you have viewers’ comments and feedback on what they like about the show and maybe what they would like to see improved. If User Generated contents are available to Magazine shows, they are more likely to expand in viewers, and also expand in ideas due to feedback they will receive.

Basically, these shows should be present on more internet sites where audiences can now have access to their shows and not feel that they have missed out on any specific articles.