…participation during broadcast, or how these programs use live stream options to draw audiences in.”
A well-known and worldwide example of a live television program facilitating social media to interact with their audiences is Big Brother. However, this is the Filipino version of the show called, Pinoy Big Brother. How does it use social media to talk to its viewers and audiences? An example I can use was during the big finale of the TV show – the finalists of the show gather in a well-known arena in the Philippines and wait to find out their winning title. This is whether they’ll be placed first, second, third and so on. How the show implements social media is through the use of mobile phones and Twitter. With mobile phones, it instructs viewers to text to a certain number in order to vote for their favourite member:
With the usage of Twitter, it live Tweets the current premise and highlights of the show. This generally includes the announcements of the hosts, the big reveal of the winner and so many more. And of course, the interaction includes mentions, retweets and favourites on Twitter, making the news widespread online and also gives access to fans who may not be able to watch it on live television.
Not only do they live tweet the show but also communicate with their “online team” – the Filipino Big Brother has an online show where they show the ongoing “behind the scenes” and even interview some of the previous house members. The Filipino version of Big Brother has a huge online presence because of the show’s strategies and attempts to communicate with their viewers not only through SMS, but also through Twitter. These approaches enable the show to receive high ratings and even worldwide viewers, such as myself.
In relation to the previous readings from Marriot, he states that “…that they offer the viewer the opportunity to see nature ‘as it is'” – this transcends beyond television and into the online community. The modern approach to live television gives most TV shows interactions and also expands their domestic reception (as Bourdon has discussed as one of live television’s characteristics).
Social media has a huge role in modern television shows, spreading their presence nationally and even internationally thanks to the Internet. Big Brother has facilitated and benefitted from social media, implementing Twitter as one of the main forms of communication between the audience and the show.