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Questions and Answers
What describes the new power structure in television during the classic network era?
What describes the new power structure in television during the classic network era?
In the classic network era, it is the advertisers who hold the power.
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?
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?
What do broadcast networks control in a vertically integrated model?
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Which production shift occurred in the classic network era?
Which production shift occurred in the classic network era?
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The FCC intervened in the early 1970s with rules intended to strengthen the big three networks.
The FCC intervened in the early 1970s with rules intended to strengthen the big three networks.
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What was the rural purge in the early 1970s?
What was the rural purge in the early 1970s?
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What were the results of the fin-syn and PTAR rules?
What were the results of the fin-syn and PTAR rules?
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What was the Fox formula for gaining affiliates?
What was the Fox formula for gaining affiliates?
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The rise of Fox led to the dominance of independent production companies in the 1990s.
The rise of Fox led to the dominance of independent production companies in the 1990s.
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What was Curtin's approach to programming in terms of audience?
What was Curtin's approach to programming in terms of audience?
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Match the following terms with their definitions:
Match the following terms with their definitions:
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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.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
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.
