Reference no: EM132005439

What are the three (or perhaps four) general "eras" of American television we have discussed? Briefly describe each and explain some of the developments and changes in the television landscape with each new era. You do not need to touch on everything, but be sure to address some of the major shifts.

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The following side is the information about Three general "eras" of american television

The Network Era: Majority of television comes from the "Big 3" broadcast network (Dominated by the big-3 networks (NBC, CBS, ABC)

The multi-Channel Transition Era:

1.The proliferation of new networks (Fox in 1986, WB in 1995, UPN in 1995)

2. The rapid proliferation of cable and satellite channels

Soon the majority of audiences are getting their programming from cable.

3.Audience segmentation and beginnings of niche programming

4.Not only fragmentation of the viewing audience as viewers are spread across more networks and more cable and satellite channels, but also polarization

5.Less programming that is shared by the majority of the country - people can pick and choose the programming that aligns with their likes, sensibilities, politics, etc.

Remote control devices become standard in homes (existed before this, but become standard in this period)

Gives viewers a greater sense of control over what they watch

"Channel surfing" becomes a more relevant concept in a time when so many more channels are available to surf.

Viewers have some control over the viewing schedule because of time-shifting devices like the VCR, and later the DVR.

The Post-Network Era (approximately 2000s+)

1.Further proliferation of cable channels and niche programming

2.Explosion of original cable series

3."The HBO Effect"

4.Further polarization of the audience, further ability to choose a media bubble for oneself

5.Generational gaps, political gaps, gender and sexuality gaps, racial gaps, regional/geographical gaps, class-based gaps, gaps in education level, taste gaps, etc.

6.Major breaks with traditional models of broadcasting and network programming

7.Idea of the mass audience becomes much less important - targeted niche audiences are the focus.

8.Often "edgier" content meant to appeal to certain kinds of "valuable" audiences