Genre and Television proposes a new understanding of television genres as cultural catagories, offering a set of in-depth historical and critical examinations to explore key aspects of television genre.
After years of research and dozens of candid interviews with actors, writers, directors and producers, journalist David Ryan has produced the first authoritative study of George Orwell on film and television. This unique reference work shows what popular culture has made - and continues to make - of a literary genius whose work has never seemed more relevant.
A unique and overdue insight and study into how the landscape, institutions and collective memory has influenced the representation of the past on British television from 1946 to the present day, promoting a very singular view of what it means to be British.
Argues that television stars were central to the growth and development of American broadcasting. They were used not only to promote programs and the sale of advertised consumer goods, but also to establish network identities. This book includes profiles of well-known performers such as Milton Berle, Sid Caesar, and Jackie Gleason.
An introduction to studying the television audience, discussing new developments in semiology and cultural studies and their contribution to our understanding of the power of television.
A classic study of the workings of the Hollywood television industry. The reader is taken behind the scenes to see how shows get their air time and how they are shaped by the political and cultural climate of the time.
Offers a range of perspectives on the complex and multifaceted history of a British commercial broadcaster, this book explores key tensions and conflicts which have influenced the ITV service. It shows that ITV has had to tread an uneasy line between public service and commercial imperatives, and between a pluralistic regional structure.
Offers an analysis of the four collaborative sitcoms of Jimmy Perry and David Croft, 'Dad's Army', 'It Ain't half Hot, Mum!', 'Hi-de-Hi!' and 'You Rang M'Lord?'. Considers the themes and ideas that run through the series in terms of their representation of class and gender, and in terms of other sitcoms and cultures which produced them.
Written with approval of the help of her family and closest friends - including Julie Walters, Dawn French, Celia Imrie and many others - this is the definitive authorised biography of one of Britain's most talented and loved entertainers: Victoria Wood.
Like a lot of marriages it ended badly, but for nearly 20 years, between the first date and the inevitable divorce, Peter Cook and Dudley Moore were the funniest thing on three continents. This book tells the story of that relationship, and the comedy that came from it.
Revealing what it was like to be Laa-Laa and experience the astonishing success of the Teletubbies phenomenon, Nikky Smedley's enchanting story is as warm and funny as the programmes themselves.
Written by a leading expert in the field, this concise text explores the development and the future of public service broadcasting. It thoroughly explains key debates in terms of wider cultural contexts and examines key issues including legislation, funding and digitalisation. This is invaluable reading for all students of media and broadcasting.
Analysing more than 200 movies and TV shows, this book examines the careers of male performers whose teenage roles made them famous, and also discusses examples of lesbian desire. It is a useful read for academics working in cultural and gay studies, and also for those with an interest in popular culture.
Reality television is shown worldwide, features people from all walks of life and covers everything from romance to religion. It has not only changed television, but every other area of the media. So why has reality TV become such a huge phenomenon, and what is its future in an age of streaming and social media?