Navigating the Shifting Sands of Television: From Broadcast to Digital

This semester, I embarked on a captivating exploration of television in a module that challenged traditional definitions and examined the evolving nature of this pervasive medium. We grappled with fundamental questions like “What is television?” and “Is Netflix TV?”, delving into the complex interplay of technologies, aesthetics, formats, and policies that shape the television landscape.

Key Themes and Concepts

The module was divided into four thematic sections:

• Technologies, Platforms, and the TV Industry: We investigated the infrastructure and context of television, tracing its evolution from analogue to digital, from broadcast to streaming, and from small screens to multi-platform experiences.
• Institutions and Production Cultures: We examined the institutional structures and production practices that shape television content, exploring the influence of broadcasters, production companies, and regulatory bodies.
• Audiences and Fandom: We delved into the ways audiences engage with television, from traditional viewing practices to online communities and fan cultures.
• Aesthetics/Genres and Formats in the Broadcast and Digital Eras: We analysed the evolution of television aesthetics, genres, and formats, considering how they have been influenced by technological advancements and changing audience expectations.

Case Studies

Through engaging case studies, we explored specific aspects of television’s evolution, including:

• ‘Live’ TV and the legacy of ‘TV liveness’ for streaming platforms: We examined how the concept of “liveness” has been reinterpreted in the digital age, considering its impact on streaming services and audience engagement.  
• The influence of major TV genres (soap opera, sitcom, reality TV, TV news and sports) for storytelling practices and content delivery across media from broadcast TV to YouTube: We investigated how traditional television genres have influenced storytelling practices and content delivery across various media platforms.
• Public versus subscription TV; the history and future of public service television: We debated the role and relevance of public service television in a rapidly changing media landscape.
• From TV scheduling to DIY content: We explored the shift from scheduled broadcasting to on-demand content and the rise of user-generated content.
• Reception and audience research in the digital era: We examined the challenges and opportunities of conducting audience research in the digital age, considering the impact of social media and online communities.

Learning Outcomes

This module provided me with a comprehensive understanding of television’s historical development, current trends, and future challenges. I gained the ability to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the television industry’s evolution, from its inception to the digital age.
• Understand the interdependence of media industries, including film, TV, journalism, and social media.
• Appreciate the value of interdisciplinary research for the study of television.
• Use relevant, updated, and critical vocabulary for analysing television and media.
• Think critically and independently about issues of ethnic, sexual, and gender representation on and off the screen.

Reflections

This module has been a fascinating journey through the ever-changing world of television. I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the complexities of this medium and its profound impact on our culture and society. I’m eager to continue exploring the evolving television landscape and contribute to its ongoing transformation.