Impact of New/digital Media on Television

Media Magazine - Netflix and the Cultural Industries 

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

It applies to the businesses that produce and distribute media texts, as well as the common processes in media production and the legislative and legal mechanisms under which the businesses function.

2) What does David Hesmondhalgh argue with regards to how the creative industries have changed since the 1980s?

David Hesmondhalgh concluded that the entertainment industries have evolved since the 1980s when, in the 1980s, businesses began to see the value of convergence and the CD was developed, forming a new way to view media content that began with music.

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

Because of digitization, the technology industry will now compete directly with conventional media firms. This is notable because apps like Spotify are continually gaining influence.

4) What is technological convergence? 

In general, technological convergence refers to the trend or phenomena in which two or more different innovations combine and shape a new result.

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

Because of digitization and the opportunity to transmit texts across the Internet, technology firms were able to compete with conventional broadcasters. Traditional DVD distributors, such as the store Blockbuster, went bankrupt after internet connections allowed video streaming.

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

-According to reports, Netflix will spend $8 billion on original programming in 2021.

-Amazon intends to spend $4.5 billion. 

-Apple intends to spend a billion dollars on content development.

7) How many countries are Netflix and Amazon available in?

Amazon is distributed in 200 regions, while Netflix is available in 190.

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?

Consider Stranger Things' beast, the 'Demogorgon,' modelled after a Dungeons & Dragons demon prince. Netflix's team looked into old D&D materials to determine how different civilizations translated ‘Demogorgon' in the mid-1970s to ensure the association transcended language boundaries.

9) Do you think technology companies such as Google, Facebook and Amazon will increase their interest in the television industry?

I companies will boost their interest in entertainment drama because the TV industry is becoming more interested in platforms like Netflix, because the growing demand will need more and more shows to survive, and these sites are one of many options to do so.

10) How do changes in technology influence the creation of TV dramas such as Capital or Deutschland 83? Try and make specific references to the two TV CSPs in your answer.

We can clearly see the contrast between the old and current technology that was used and is being used in today's society to create media productions; although modern technology may aid in development, storyline is still an important convention.

The Guardian: How tech is changing television

1) What are the traditional lengths for TV drama and what dictated these programme formats?

The three most popular TV lengths – 60', 30', and 15' on commissioning formats – resulted from a grid calendar structured around hours and half-hours in order to make programmes easier to identify and recall the appointment viewing times.

2) How have streaming services such as Netflix or Amazon Prime changed the way TV drama narratives are constructed?

Streaming websites such as Netflix and Amazon Prime have shared how TV drama plots and frameworks are built by producing television shows designed for viewers to "binge-watch."

3) Why has the rise in streaming led to more complex storylines and an increase in cliffhangers?

You don't have to look back too far to find commissioners who believed that the crowd was so delicate and fickle that you had to be mindful how complicated the message was in case they got lost and never returned. That is no longer the case. You don't get editorial feedback on the cost of throwing in material that may not pay off for another episode or two.”

4) How have the "economics of production" kept TV drama largely sticking to the 45- or 60-minute episode format?

Series are filmed in blocks to maximise use of time and reduce costs; these procedural dramas are shot in high density so they do not usually require splitting, but filming on an episodic basis makes common sense for both actors and viewers and is a recognisable convention for audiences.

5) How has "permanent 24/7 connectivity" changed both the production and consumption of TV drama?

The relentless 24/7 connectivity has altered the creation and viewing of TV drama because it allows viewers to watch the shows one after the other without having to wait for the next episode to air on TV.