Reaching A Critical Mass

Despite television's popularity and prevalence, or perhaps because of it, television is not taken seriously by most people. Although it is the central storyteller of our culture, television is rarely examined critically by those who regularly consume its tales. This book disassembles, describes, and thus, demystifies television. When we know what comprises the television industry, how and why the industry operates, how television programs are made, and what strategies are used to attract and maintain audiences, we become viewers more capable of making purposeful viewing selections. When we examine the television production process, explore the components and qualities that constitute entertainment genre, and trace the history and evolution of these genre, we become viewers more appreciative of the art, craft, and science of programming and program scheduling. When we examine why and how we watch television, we become more aware of television as a social and cultural force unmatched by any medium before it. This book helps us to become more acute consumers -- a critical mass audience. Reaching a Critical Mass: * develops a governing theoretical perspective that encompasses the various literary approaches to television text and serves as the central narrative and theme of the book; * generates a working knowledge of the television industry and its dynamics, television producers and the production process, and the history and evolution of the most popular genres; * systematically and creatively explores television programming using narrative, timeless examples, and case studies; and * takes television seriously and strives to generate a more critical and knowledgeable consumer of popular TV fare.