3/12/25 - Media Lecture

Evolution of Television Programming

• Human Biology and Slow Adaptation

  • Importance of evolving and adapting in the study of human biology.

• Shift in Television Programming

  • Transition from single sponsorship to multi-sponsored news magazine shows.

  • Examples of news magazine shows:

    • Good Morning America

    • Today Show

    • CBS This Morning

• Impact of Program Length on Production Costs

  • Weaver's idea of increased length leading to higher production costs.

  • Freedom for writers as a result of longer formats and multiple sponsors.

Cultural Significance of Television

• Golden Age of Television

  • Influence on American daily schedules.

  • Rise in popularity of morning magazine shows in the 80s and 90s.

• Daily Viewership

  • Current decline in viewership for morning shows compared to the past.

  • Mention of Spanish versions of popular shows and their appeal.

• Examples of Impactful Shows

  • Historic significance of Oprah Winfrey’s endorsement of Barack Obama in 2008.

• Changes in Viewing Habits

  • From scheduled to on-demand viewing.

  • Instant access influencing patience, expectations, and attention spans.

Nature of Television Programs

• Anthology Dramas vs. Episodic Series

  • Anthology dramas: heavier content, higher production costs, differing casts each week.

  • Transition to episodic series showcasing familiar characters and stories.

• Financial Aspects of Productions

  • Anthology dramas expensive to produce; less favorable for advertisers seeking positivity.

  • Example of "Roots": Authentically depicted slavery, significant cultural impact.

Show Structure in Television

• Episodic and Serial Programs

  • Episodic Series: Standalone episodes (e.g., Law and Order, sitcoms like seinfeld).

  • Serial Programs: Continuous storylines from episode to episode (e.g., Grey’s Anatomy, soap operas).

  • Many modern shows are hybrids, combining episodic and serial elements.

Business Strategies in Television

• Cloning

  • Duplication of successful formats to mitigate risks (e.g., Judge Judy & similar shows).

• Spin-Offs and Franchises

  • Spin-offs arise from popular shows or characters (e.g., Young Sheldon).

  • Franchises leverage the success of a series for new adaptations (e.g., Star Trek).

• Intellectual Property and Localization

  • Examples of international adaptations showcasing cloning or franchising.

The Cultural Impact of Television

• Critique of Television Quality

  • Newton Minow’s 1960s critique: "vast wasteland" of low-quality programming.

• Emergence of PBS

  • Government’s establishment of PBS to provide educational content contrary to commercial programming.

  • Misconceptions regarding funding sources: only a fraction from the government (about 14%).

Upcoming Assessments

• Next Week’s Quiz

  • Focus on reading and engagement rather than rote memorization; a creative format.