Here are random thoughts:
2 channels, BBC 1 and BBC 2, are sort of government funded (but not in a way
that allows govt to exert direct control in the way of State TV in Eastern
Bloc countries).
Simply put, it works like this: if you own a TV you pay a license fee and
that covers the cost of BBC programming. So the most noticeable difference
to US telly is that there are 2 whole channels with absolutely no
advertising. It's quite blissful to come back and watch after a prolonged
period in the US, I can tell you.
BBC 2 tends to be a the most highbrow of the 5 terrestrial stations.
BBC 1 has a reputation for 'quality' PBS-type programming. You will notice
that most of your PBS costume dramas are co-produced by PBS stations and the
BBC, though in more recent years both BBC 1 and 2 have had to broaden the
appeal of their programming so you can now expect to see mainstream game
show type shlock at some time on most evenings and I guess the most popular
BBC 1 show is the gritty soap Eastenders.
There are 3 independent channels - ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5. ITV is
traditionally more populist than both BBC channels. It was the channel that
gave us all Who Wants to be a Millionaire.
Channel 4 started some 15 years ago with a remit to provide quality
independent TV. It has a reputation for more multicultural and cutting edge
programming; a lot of successful independent British films have received
some degree of Channel 4 financing.
Channel 5 - launched just a few years ago - is simply tabloid TV.
We are on the threshold of a new TV age with now a significant number of
people with cable or satellite TV - primarily the Murdoch Sky Channels which
have been buying up exclusive rights to show sporting events of interest to
the British public at an alarming rate - and now digital TV.
At the moment there is a lot of hand-wringing in the broadsheet newspapers
about whether the massive expansion in the number of channels which will be
available to digital TV subscribers (and we will certainly be in a US-type
situation where hundreds of specialist domestic as well as foreign channels
become available) is driving quality down.
Don't ask me - I gave up watching years ago. Radio is much more interesting.
Oh, and if anyone from the BBC happens to bump into this posting:
WORLDWIDE AT A SENSIBLE HOUR AND NORMAN JAY AND ROSS ALLEN TO DO THE
SATURDAY NIGHT 8 TILL 12 SLOTS PLEASE!
Jim
-----Original Message-----
From: stephanie [mailto:nnine@yahoo.com]
Sent: 10 January 2001 15:14
To: ajlist
Subject: How does the BBC work? (was Jazz)
Can anyone across the pond over there explain a bit
about how European tv, specifically British tv, works?
I know it's a completely different system with fewer
chanels, but government funded, with what's generally
considered to be better programming. A German friend
of mine says the programming that would be comparable
to public tc and radio over here is much for
up-to-date and experimental, less stuffy. I assume
the questions about commercialization v/s gov't
control are very different under a system like that.
What do you think of that system? How does it work?
strengths and weaknesses? i know that's a lot of
questions, but i dont' need a thesis, just some
general impressions. =)
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Photos - Share your holiday photos online!
http://photos.yahoo.com/
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b30 : Wed Jan 10 2001 - 17:27:14 CET