The Audience in Mass Communication

Paper Summary:

A focus on the features of the popular television talk-show and how they influences their viewers. The paper describes how these shows often focus on outrageous topics and over-the-top guests and how some argue that daytime talk shows aim to sensationalize and exploit in order to draw an audience. It discusses how others argue that these shows provide a forum for true debate and expression, in which the audience is provided with valuable information. The paper tries to determine how talk shows influence the viewing audience, and whether this influence is beneficial or detrimental.

From the Paper:

"There are a few main features of the television talk show (Livingstone & Lunt, 1994). First, the guests and the audience share physical space, with the guests usually facing the audience. Second, the host wanders throughout the audience, often selecting those who get to ask a question or state their views. Third, each episode focuses on a certain topic of concern, often stimulated by current affairs. Fourth, the program consists of lively conversation expressing diverse views on a particular issue. Fifth, the flow of the program is determined not only by the host and production staff, but also by the audience contributions. Sixth, the contributions made by the audience seem to be emotionally significant, stemming from personal experience rather than objective fact. Seventh, talk shows are generally inexpensive to produce, low in production value, and are broadcast outside of primetime slots. Finally, talk shows are usually either live or recorded in real time prior to broadcasting, with little editing."

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