Media sociologists used to argue that television broadcasts were a moment when the nation gathered to share a common, inclusive experience — one to be discussed the next day around that mythical water cooler. TV is still important in this respect, but our patterns of on-screen consumption are changing. Arguably, this is also changing our social relations. The advent of video and subscription TV channels, and our capacity to watch what we want, when we want, means that we are not quite ‘sharing the TV moment’ in the way we once did.
In today’s highly complex and diverse society, and with lots of media options, do you think television still has a role to play in bringing people and communities together? If not — and thinking sociologically here — does that really matter anymore?
Your organisation does not have access to this article.
Sign up today to give your students the edge they need to achieve their best grades with subject expertise
Subscribe
