The impact of new/digital media on TV: blog task

The impact of new/digital media on TV: blog task

Go to our Media Magazine archive and read the article on Netflix and the Cultural Industries(MM63 - page 45). Create a blogpost called 'The impact of new/digital media on TV' and answer the following questions:

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

The ‘industry’ concept refers to the companies that create and distribute media texts, the standard practices of media production, as well as the regulatory and legal frameworks in which the companies operate.

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

Hesmondhalgh, broadly speaking, argues that since the 1980s there’s been a significant shift in cultural production. some of his main points are:
Cultural industries have moved closer to the centre of economic action.
There has been an increase in media corporations owning companies in different sectors of the industry.
Globalisation has meant media texts can circulate more easily across borders reducing North American dominance.
Deregulation has reduced public ownership.
Advertising ‘dollars’ have significantly increased as has cross promotion within texts.
Digitisation has allowed the technology sector to compete directly with traditional media companies.
Niche audiences are increasingly targeted.

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

One of the most significant points Hesmondhalgh has made regarding the change in cultural industries is that there has been an increase in media corporations owning companies in different sectors of the industry.
Another crucial point is niche audiences are increasingly targeted. The third most significant point Hesmonghalgh has made is that deregulation has reduced public ownership.

4) What is technological convergence? 



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

Technology companies have much more to offer whereas, traditional broadcasters don't. Technology companies allow the audience to watch programmes/series on demand so they never miss a episode whereas, traditional broadcasters in the TV industry usually have a time table and the audience have to be on the channel at the specific time their programme starts. If they miss the episode they'll have to deal with it.
6) What budgets will Netflix, Amazon and Apple spend on original programming next year according to the article?

Next year Netflix plans to spend $8bn on original material; Amazon’s budget is estimated at $4.5bn. Apple has recently joined the fray with a $1bn spend.

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

In 2016 Netflix simultaneously launched its service in 130 new countries, bringing its total to 190, and Amazon opened in 200.


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?

The example Netflix used is the monster in Stranger Things named the ‘Demogorgon’ after a Dungeons & Dragons demon prince. To ensure that connection transcended language barriers, Netflix’s team dug into old D&D materials to nail down how various cultures translated ‘Demogorgon’ in the mid-1970s. Consequently the Demogorgon was renamed in some parts of the world based on what the demon prince of Dungeons & Dragons was called. In addition, they try to use the actors that regularly voice particular performers in foreign language versions.

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

Yes, I think technology companies such as Google, Facebook and Amazon will increase their interest in the television company as there is so much room for improvement along with a lot of money to be made for these technology companies.

10) How do changes in technology influence the creation of TV dramas such as Capital or Deutschland 83? How?

Changes in technology influence the creation of TV dramas such as Capital or Deutschland 83 because it allows the audience to make whats going on in the world or what has happened in the world very realistic which will allow the audience to understand whats going on better.
You'll need to complete this for homework - due first lesson after Easter.