Television

Overview

Formats and the format trade, series against serial, public service obligations, the watershed, on-demand viewing and how success is measured.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   What distinguishes television as a media form?

   Model answer

   It combines moving image and sound in serialised, scheduled programming consumed largely in domestic settings, which shapes its length, structure and mode of address.

2. 2

   What is a television format?

   Model answer

   The established structure and rules of a programme, which can be licensed and reproduced in other countries with local participants and presenters.

3. 3

   Why is the format trade commercially significant to the television industry?

   Model answer

   Because a proven structure can be sold repeatedly into many markets at low risk, generating revenue without the cost of originating a new programme each time.

4. 4

   What is the difference between a series and a serial?

   Model answer

   A series presents largely self-contained episodes sharing characters and setting, whereas a serial carries a continuing story across episodes that must be followed in order.

5. 5

   How does the structure of a broadcast drama reflect the demands of scheduling?

   Model answer

   Episodes are written to a fixed duration and, on commercial channels, structured around advertising breaks with points of tension placed before each.

6. 6

   What is a public service broadcaster required to provide in the UK?

   Model answer

   News and current affairs, original production, programming for a range of audiences including minorities, and content meeting standards set out in its remit and the Broadcasting Code.

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