Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: This study explores the dynamics of social concern over reality shows. Couched in the theory of the influence of presumed influence, it is argued that the degree of concern over the effects of media mediates between beliefs in media power and people's responses to such beliefs. Survey data show that whereas there are large differences in the beliefs about effects on self and others, reports of self concern and perceived concern by others is similar. It was also found that concern is related to age, to beliefs in the social effects of reality shows, and to being critical of reality shows. Results are discussed in terms of their significance to understanding the process through which beliefs about media motivate social action.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: To the television viewer, the studio audience appears as a spontaneous reacting single body, a crowd smoothly engaging in sequences of collective behaviour. Hidden is the enormous amount of management needed before, during and after the process of recording the show to create this impression. It is the work that goes into this management that is the focus of my analysis.
Using my fieldnotes to describe the work that is going on in talk shows, I am taking the path of an ethnographer. Coming from an ethnomethodological approach, however, the data presented are taken from fieldnotes, in which my own understandings and activities provide the phenomena for analysis.
As one of the things people do in talk shows is talk, I will also look closely at that talk, showing what is done through talk at particular moments in the show.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: This study examines the impact of emotional attachment on television show enjoyment. Adults (N = 155) responded about one of 4 television programs – 2 reality-based and 2 fictional shows. They responded about their show enjoyment, identification with and dispositions toward their favorite personality, and show-related behaviors. Results support the uses and gratifications perspective as more involved viewers experience greater enjoyment. Identification mediates the effect of show-related behaviors on enjoyment. Results also support disposition theory as more positive dispositions toward a liked personality are associated with greater enjoyment. Findings also shed light on the similarities and differences between these fictional and reality-based shows.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: This paper presents longitudinal data examining changes in the structure of nightly network news. After a brief historical overview of the political economy of network news, data from ABC and CBS nightly news programs at six year intervals from the years 1970-2000 are analyzed. Program elements such as introductory segments, teases before ad breaks, length of ad breaks, promotion of other news shows in the network family and "live" segments are explored as elements of news shows which demonstrate the "more show than news" evolution which has occurred in nightly network news. The data show the move from a public service orientation to an entertainment orientation has affected the way network news shows are presented. These elements reveal a tendency in television programming toward increasingly using soap opera structural and storytelling techniques in all television program genres.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: If as stated in the Conference description, the area of public interest includes what “people need in terms of communication and particularly media input and how we operate as recipients, cognitively and psychologically as well as socially” then communication research should include the hitherto largely neglected emotional dimensions and drives in its analysis. This paper therefore takes a closer look at the development of new television formats that attract large numbers of viewers and fans, and examines what is behind the involvement of an active audience.

This paper explores the basis for the emotional involvement of viewers and fans of the increasing number of “reality-TV” shows in Germany. The analysis focuses on the role of the media in the community-building emotions and the emotionalization of the masses within the German television audience. The aspect of “the cultivation of shared emotions” is investigated. The article further examines the extent to which the “commercialization of human feelings” leads to a “democratization of fame” in the eye of the media recipient and investigates how this can be seen as the key to the success of this kind of entertainment in Germany.