TV Scheduling Techniques

Question 4a

You must learn the following techniques Counter- Programming Stacking Inheritence Tent-poling Hammocking 1. This technique uses the popularity of a programme to encourage viewers to watch a newer sitcom either before or after the popular show. 2. A block of programmes which encourages audience flow and means the people watching the channel will be likely to keep watching. 3. A show is shown between two lesser known shows. For example, E4 bank on a BBT having so much audience appeal that they can place two lesser known shows on either side. 4. A technique which occurs when the other main channels are showing programmes aimed at different audiences to a channel such as E4 showing BBT. 5. A less popular or well-known show is shown inbetween two popular shows in the hope it gains the viewers from these shows.

Research the Big Bang Theory broadcast on E4 on 12th may at 8:30pm What is on before and after The Big Bang Theory? What technique does this demonstrate? What similarities are there between these shows that are on before and after BBT? Use www.radiotimes.com and find out what programmes are on BBC1, BBC2, ITV, C4 and C5 between 8pm and 9pm on 12th May. What are the target audiences of these programmes? What technique does this demonstrate? Explain how the INHERITENCE theory is being used in this broadcasting block on E4. Explain how the TENTPOLING theory is being used in this broadcasting block on E4 In your opinion, is the HAMMOCKING theory being used in this broadcasting block on E4?

1. This technique uses the popularity of a programme to encourage viewers to watch a newer sitcom either before or after the popular show. Inheritence

2. A block of programmes which encourages audience flow and means the people watching the channel will be likely to keep watching. Stacking

3. A show is shown between two lesser known shows 3. A show is shown between two lesser known shows. For example, E4 bank on a BBT having so much audience appeal that they can place two lesser known shows on either side. Tentpoling

4. A technique which occurs when the other main channels are showing programmes aimed at different audiences to a channel such as E4 showing BBT. Counter-Programming

5. A less popular or well-known show is shown inbetween two popular shows in the hope it gains the viewers from these shows. Hammocking

TV Comedy Pleasures Let’s read the perfect answer first… Familiarity with characters Slapstick Humour Catchphrases Archetypes (the mother for example) Satire/irony Intertextuality Sexual Innuendo Stereotypes Exaggeration

Select two TV COmedy shows… Find examples from these shows on youtube and search for examples that demonstrate as many of these pleasures as possible.