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Entertaining television

The BBC and popular television culture in the 1950s
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Entertaining Television challenges the stereotype that the 1950s BBC was elitist and overly staid, instead revealing how it engaged with popular culture through controversial programme types such as soap operas, quiz shows, and celebrity-focused content. Su Holmes uncovers surprising links between historic BBC programming and modern television trends, including reality TV and talk shows, supported by detailed archival research.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$4999
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

Ideal for students, academics, and enthusiasts of television history, media studies, and cultural analysis.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

An energetic look at BBC Television in 1950s, illustrating how it was at the forefront of popular programming, including the first Reality TV programmes, quiz and game shows, even 'problem' talk shows.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Entertaining television challenges the idea that the BBC in the 1950s was elitist and 'staid', upholding Reithian values in a paternalistic, even patronising way.

By focusing on a number of (often controversial) programme case studies – such as the soap opera, the quiz/game show, the 'problem' show, and programmes dealing with celebrity culture – Su Holmes demonstrates how BBC television surprisingly explored popular interests and desires.

She also uncovers a number of remarkable connections with programmes and topics at the forefront of television today, ranging from talk shows, 'Reality TV', even to our contemporary obsession with celebrity.

The book is iconoclastic, percipient, and grounded in archival research, and will be of use to anyone studying television history.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Critics praise Entertaining Television as an insightful resource for anyone interested in television history and studies, offering rich analysis that enhances understanding of both British and American TV cultures. Kathleen Collins from John Jay College highlights its value in informing and deepening knowledge about the medium.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780719088490

Publisher: Manchester University Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 31 August 2013

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Manchester University Press

Illustration: Illustrations, black & white

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 14.0mm

Width: 156.0mm

Height: 234.0mm

Weight: 372g

Pages: 232

About the Author

Su Holmes is Reader in Television Studies at the University of East Anglia

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