Media critics invariably disparage the quality of programming
produced by the U.S. television industry. But why the industry
produces what it does is a question largely unasked. It is this
question, at the crux of American popular culture, that "Switching
Channels" explores.
In the past twenty-five years, the expansion of cable and
satellite systems has transformed television. Richard Caves
examines the economics of this phenomenon--and the nature and logic
of the broadcast networks' response to the incursion of cable TV,
especially the shift to inexpensive unscripted game and "reality"
shows and "news" magazines. An explanation of these changes, Caves
argues, requires an understanding of two very different sectors:
the "creative industry," which produces programs; and the
commercial channels, which bring them to viewers. His book shows
how distributors' judgment of profitability determines the quality
and character of the programs the creative industry produces. This
determination, writes Caves, depends on the number and types of
viewers that various programs can attract and advertisers'
willingness to pay for their attention, as well as the organization
of the networks that package programs, the distributors that
transmit them, and the deals these parties strike with one
another.
General
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!
Welcome to Loot.co.za!
Sign in / Register |Wishlists & Gift Vouchers |Help | Advanced search
