Lectorial/Readings – Week 11

Image source: Netflix
Pictured: ‘Riverdale’ stars

This week, Dr Ramon Labato presented a guest lecture on recent changes in the television industry, including the impact of streaming modes like Netflix.

What counts as TV these days is very subjective, and there is a notion that the internet and social media tv based viewing are killing old-school television. However, according to the Q4 2016 Australian Multi-Screen Report, Australian homes spend an average of 2.7 hours watching traditional broadcast television, compared to 0.5 hours on average spent viewing online video. So although non-traditional online viewing is still on the rise and many Australians spread their viewing across multiple devices, TV remains by far the most-watched screen.

So while TV is not necessarily approaching death in the future of our increasingly complex media consumption, understanding the multifaceted nature of TV is crucial to all players in the market.

Some of what was discussed in the lectorial revolves around the direction of the younger generation and how they consume media, compared to a different experience older generations typically share. While some are excited by new-found freedom and tailored tastes when consuming television, others are concerned that adolescents are missing out on a cultural encounter of mass media viewing – therefore “promoting social polarization.” (Webster, 2016)

Myself and many others grew up watching ‘Friends’, a classic 90s, early 2000s sitcom that would be on the television anytime we came home from school. It was something we all watched and discussed the next day – a phenomenon we all shared together. Although I find this occurring less and less as I grow up, the same sort of concept is still there. Now with the advancement of social media, I find we are able to connect upon ideas and share our interests faster and more effectively than ever before.

One day, you’ll have a Netflix original like ‘Riverdale’ come onto the scene, and the next, almost every teenager is watching it and communicating their thoughts online, or at least reading others’. To me, it’s social union at its finest.