theguardian.com
Resurgence of 'Event Television' in UK Amidst Streaming Fatigue
The UK experienced a resurgence of "event television" in 2024, with the Gavin and Stacey Christmas special attracting 12.5 million viewers, exceeding the 2.4 million who watched Gail Platt's Coronation Street exit which was pre-released on streaming, highlighting a shift away from on-demand viewing.
- How has the cost of living crisis and the streaming market saturation influenced the shift towards "event television"?
- This trend is linked to the oversaturated streaming market and rising subscription costs, causing many to return to free-to-air television. The success of shows like Gladiators (6 million viewers) and Strictly Come Dancing (8 million viewers), also broadcast live, reinforces this shift. Strategic scheduling by broadcasters, releasing episodes weekly instead of the entire series at once, further contributes to this collective viewing experience.
- What is the potential long-term impact of this trend on the television industry, encompassing both streaming and traditional broadcasting?
- The future of television may involve a hybrid model. While streaming services remain crucial for exclusive content, the desire for shared viewing experiences and the economic factors influencing subscription fatigue suggest a lasting role for live, terrestrial television as a platform for "event television". The success of shows strategically released on traditional television indicates a potential for growth in this sector.
- What factors contributed to the significant viewership of the Gavin and Stacey Christmas special and the broader trend of returning to live television?
- The resurgence of "event television" in the UK is evident in the 12.5 million viewers who watched the Gavin and Stacey Christmas special live, a significant increase from the 2.4 million who watched Gail Platt's Coronation Street exit, which was available on streaming before broadcast. This signifies a shift in viewing habits, driven partly by the cost of living crisis and streaming fatigue.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the return to "event television" in a largely positive light, emphasizing the shared experience and sense of community associated with live broadcasts. While it mentions some drawbacks of streaming, such as cost and content fragmentation, the tone predominantly leans toward nostalgia and a preference for traditional viewing. The headline and opening paragraphs immediately set this positive tone, focusing on the shared experience of watching Gavin and Stacey. The use of phrases like "glory days" and "water-cooler moment" reinforces this nostalgic framing.
Language Bias
The article uses some emotionally charged language, such as "glory days," "unhinged content," and "damp squib." While these phrases are evocative, they could be replaced with more neutral terms to maintain objectivity. For example, instead of "unhinged content," the author could have used "unconventional content." The nostalgic tone throughout could also be considered a form of subtle language bias, potentially influencing the reader toward a preference for live television.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the resurgence of live television viewing, potentially omitting counterarguments or data that might suggest streaming still dominates overall viewership. While the decline in streaming subscriptions is mentioned, a balanced perspective would include data comparing the total hours watched across streaming and broadcast platforms. The impact of specific streaming successes like "Squid Game" or "Bridgerton" is acknowledged, but a broader discussion of the continued popularity and engagement with streaming services could offer a more complete picture. The article also overlooks potential reasons for the return to live TV beyond cost and saturation. For example, the impact of advertising on the streaming experience is considered, but not in the context of shared communal viewing.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat false dichotomy between live television and streaming, suggesting that a return to live viewing represents a rejection of streaming entirely. It doesn't fully acknowledge that many viewers likely consume content across both platforms, and that the two are not mutually exclusive. The shift in viewing habits is framed as a simple eitheor scenario, overlooking the complex interplay of factors influencing audience choices.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights a return to "event television," where large audiences watch shows simultaneously, fostering a shared cultural experience that can reduce social isolation and enhance a sense of community, thereby contributing to reduced inequality in access to and enjoyment of entertainment. The shift away from individual streaming and back towards live television viewing creates more opportunities for shared experiences, which can be particularly beneficial for those who may be socially isolated or marginalized.