TV Section 4: Classic Network Era Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What describes the new power structure in television during the classic network era?

Networks --> Advertisers --> Independent producers

Independent producers --> Networks --> Advertisers

Advertisers --> Independent producers --> Networks

Advertisers --> Networks --> Independent producers (correct)

In the classic network era, it is the advertisers who hold the power.

False

What are some key trends in place during the classic network era?

Film is used to show reruns, networks are controlled rather than sponsors, and characters are primarily white suburban families.

What do broadcast networks control in a vertically integrated model?

Production, distribution, and exhibition. Signup and view all the answers

Which production shift occurred in the classic network era?

From live to recorded production Signup and view all the answers

The FCC intervened in the early 1970s with rules intended to strengthen the big three networks.

False Signup and view all the answers

What was the rural purge in the early 1970s?

Narrowing audiences back to young and urban Signup and view all the answers

What were the results of the fin-syn and PTAR rules?

They weakened the big three networks but paved the way for new networks like Fox. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Fox formula for gaining affiliates?

A roll out schedule, the halo effect, and targeting underserved audiences. Signup and view all the answers

The rise of Fox led to the dominance of independent production companies in the 1990s.

True Signup and view all the answers

What was Curtin's approach to programming in terms of audience?

Risqué programming while drawing clear boundaries around desired audiences. Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

Rural Purge = Networks begin to narrow audiences back to young and urban Fin-Syn = Financial interest and syndication rules PTAR = Primetime access rule limiting network programming Halo Effect = Brand identity for Fox and its affiliates Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

New Power Structure

Transition involves advertisers providing money to networks, which then collaborates with independent producers.

Networks Hold Power

During the classic network era, networks dominated control over programming and distribution.

Key Trends in Place

Reruns began utilizing film, allowing broader content.
Shift from sponsor control to direct network control.
Programming targeted national audiences rather than just urban demographics.
Common portrayal of white suburban family characters in shows.

Vertical Integration of Broadcast Networks

Networks gain control over production, distribution, and exhibition.
Production involves Hollywood and independent studios contracting with networks.
Access to national markets enhances distribution capabilities.
Local markets are served through affiliates and owned-and-operated stations (O&Os).
Resulted in "safe" programming designed for mass audience appeal.

Production in the Classic Network Era

Movement from live broadcasts to recorded shows.
Reruns generate necessary syndication revenue for producers.
While Hollywood studios provide resources, networks are essential for airing programs.
Production shifted geographically from New York to Los Angeles.
Genre studios became adept at producing cost-effective westerns and sitcoms.
Themes evolved from urban-centric to reflect suburban and rural audiences.

FCC Interventions

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) intervenes in early 1970s to dismantle the power of the three major networks.
Enacts the Primetime Access Rule (PTAR), limiting networks to programming three out of four primetime hours and creating an access hour for local stations.

Financial Interest and Syndication Rules

FCC's initiative includes financial interest and syndication rules (fin-syn) to encourage competition against the big three networks.

Rural Purge of the Early 1970s

Networks redirect focus back to younger and urban audiences.
Set the groundwork for niche targeting seen in multichannel eras, exemplified by FOX.

Results of Fin-Syn and PTAR

While weakening the dominance of the major three networks, they still maintain significant audience shares.
Initiated new networks like FOX and opened the door for cable television growth.

The Rise of FOX

In the 1980s, FCC's criticism of fin-syn led to more competition; FOX received an exemption from these rules.
Teams up with Metromedia to expand its presence in the market.

Murdoch's Acquisitions

Rupert Murdoch's Newscorp acquires 20th Century Fox TV and Metromedia Group to establish their own network.

FOX's Strategic Formula

Gradual rollout of programming reduces risks and costs for FOX in developing affiliates.
Establishes a "halo effect" for brand identity, benefiting both FOX and affiliates.
Aims for underserved audiences, including African Americans, youth, and blue-collar workers, counterprogramming against the big three networks.

FOX's Influence

Pioneered a new era for broadcasting and cable networks.
By the early 1990s, FCC rolled back fin-syn regulations, allowing networks to produce and syndicate their shows without limits.
Hollywood studios began launching their own networks focusing on small, loyal niche audiences.

Risk and Controversial Programming

Emphasizes risky, controversial themes and defines boundaries to attract niche audiences while potentially alienating others.

Warner Bros and Paramount Ventures

Major studios, already producing content for the big three, launch their own networks in 1995 but face challenges due to oversaturation of niche markets.
Eventually, Warner Bros merges to form The CW in 2006.

Description

Explore the key concepts of the classic network era in television with these flashcards. Each term highlights the evolving power dynamics between advertisers, networks, and producers, reflecting significant trends in media. Perfect for students examining the historical context of television broadcasting.