The revival of live TV: liveness in a multiplatform context

Sorensen, I. E. (2016) The revival of live TV: liveness in a multiplatform context. Media, Culture and Society, 38(3), pp. 381-399. (doi: 10.1177/0163443715608260)

[img]
Preview
Text
113640.pdf - Accepted Version

247kB

Abstract

The proliferation of two screen or connected viewing on multiple devices (smartphones/ iPhones, laptops, tablets/iPads) simultaneously is reshaping the ways that TV broadcasters produce, schedule and deliver programmes and content. This article examines how the notions of liveness and live TV are being reshaped within this context. Focusing on the BBC and Channel 4, the article explores how and why these two British Public Service Broadcasters (PSBs) are reinventing and promoting liveness and in particular live media events across platforms and devices. With the BBC’s ‘BBC Live’ content delivery system as case-study, the article argues that rather than seeing liveness as a thing of the past, BBC regards live TV as core to its multiplatform strategy. Today, the BBC uses two of television’s traditional traits – liveness and reach – to crowd out and gain a competitive edge on streamed content and VOD providers like YouTube, Netflix and Amazon Prime across platforms and devices.

Item Type:Articles
Keywords:connected viewing, live TV, media events, multiplatform, public service broadcasting, social TV, two screen
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Sorensen, Dr Inge
Authors: Sorensen, I. E.
College/School:College of Arts & Humanities > School of Culture and Creative Arts > Theatre Film and TV Studies
Research Group:CCPR
Journal Name:Media, Culture and Society
Journal Abbr.:MSC
Publisher:Sage Publications
ISSN:0163-4437
ISSN (Online):1460-3675
Published Online:01 December 2016
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2015 The Authors
First Published:First published in Media, Culture and Society 38(3): 381-399
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher.

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record

Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
67195The Revival of Live TVInge SorensenCREATe RCUKUNSPECIFIED