I just finished working on my group project that we are presenting tomorrow on Chapter 8 from the text. One of the questions that we are posing to the class is about the types of media content that is being produced. Specifically, what type of broadcasting (public service or commercial) do you support?
I have decided to be selfish and answer this question on my own. I believe that there are positives and negatives to both PSB and commercial broadcasting. Today’s TV audience wants to be entertained. They don’t want to watch educational programs or documentaries. They want to hear about celebrities and watch reality TV shows. If TV channels and radio stations only broadcast educational/cultural programs and documentaries, they are going to lose the interest of their viewers, lose money, and eventually go out of business. Because of this, I argue that it’s the viewers of media content that control what type of media content is being produced. If the producers want to make money, they have to please their viewers.
Although commercial broadcasting may be more popular today than PSB, it still has negative aspects. If often shows a lot controversial aspects of life, such as sex, alcohol, and drugs. This gives an unfair representation of our society and also can be bad if young children are exposed to this type of broadcasting.
Public service broadcasting, on the other hand, is informational and highlights the positive aspects of society. Although the content of PSB is of a better and more educational level that will benefit more people, the producers of media content need to broadcast more commercial programs in order to stay in business.
Before going into our presentation on Thursday, I too had answered the question from my opinion; which was very similar to the response you gave. Although, it wasn't until our discussion during clss that I started to change my perception. I think that being a college student, I'm obviously going to choose commercial broadcasting over PSB's, but that is because I'm looking for entertainment, not information. The lifestyle of teens/young adults encourages MTV and E! where celebrities are the main topic of discussion, but after considering both younger and older age groups, I begin to see supporters of PSB's side. I think once I grow out of my obsession with gossip and celebrities and become more involved with whats going on in the world, travel, etc. PBS might become more appealing. In addition, I think my higher opinin of commercial broadcasting comes from the fact that I haven't even watched PBS - well, since I was about 6 - so I am really in no position to make any judgements.
ReplyDelete