Read more
American Consultants and the Marketization of Television News in the United Kingdom provides unprecedented insight into American news consultants' role in reshaping British television news during the 1990s. In 1986, American research and news consulting company Frank N. Magid Associates began infiltrating the British market. Five years later, the company was consulting for an extensive list of British client stations in preparation for the 1991 Independent Television (ITV) franchise auction. Their efforts were controversial, prompting public outcry against the "Americanization" of British television news. Despite the hostile climate, Magid's efforts were successful. Nine of their eleven client bidders emerged victorious from the franchise auction. This was only the beginning. Throughout the 1990s, Magid employees crisscrossed the country with research studies, business and marketing plans, and writing and storytelling seminars. At the time, this was the company's largest venture into international television.
American consultants' work abroad is important. They spread the U.S. model-the origin of today's on-air style-and changed television news globally by working with indigenous media. Yet, despite their vast influence, limited research has been conducted on their international efforts, largely because of proprietary material. This book is based on unprecedented and unrestricted access to Magid's archives. In addition, interviews with Magid staff and U.K. journalists allow for a comprehensive examination of the marketization of British television news, attending especially to how news became better tailored to the medium and audience; the key concepts that Magid advocated to be integrated into U.K. news; and the societal forces at play in this transformation.
American Consultants and the Marketization of Television News in the United Kingdom is a recommended read for anyone interested in journalism and television history, Americanization, media economics and sociology.
List of contents
List of Illustrations - Preface - Acknowledgments - Introduction - Research Scope and Approach - The American Format: Inviting the Viewer into the Action - European and British Broadcasting: Informational Public Service, Fearful of Americanization - Crossing the Atlantic: American Consultants Tackling Research, Training; Similarities and Differences between the BBC and ITV - The News: All-Encompassing Changes - Visibility and Likability: Changing Talent Roles - Unstoppable Movement: Strong Societal Forces at Play - Good Storytelling: Contextualizing the British Transformation, Surprises and Implications - Appendix - Interview Subjects - Frank N. Magid Associates, Partial Client List - Bibliography - Index.
About the author
Madeleine Liseblad is an assistant professor at Middle Tennessee State¿s School of Journalism and Strategic Media and she received her Ph.D. from Arizona State¿s Cronkite School. Liseblad has extensive professional experience in journalism and conducts mainly historical research centering on television news.
Summary
Based on interviews and extensive archival research, American Consultants and the Marketization of Television News in the United Kingdom offers unprecedented insight into American news consultants' role in reshaping British television news during the 1990s.
Report
"This landmark book by international broadcasting scholar, Madeleine Liseblad, offers invaluable insight into the previously untold story of how America's leading TV News consultants expanded their methods and client base into the UK. Using company records, it shows how consultants provided direction for the BBC and ITV. Viewed skeptically for encouraging a model of an anchor on daily newscasts, we learn how the British adopted a market-driven system. This is a must read for media scholars." -Michael D. Murray, University of Missouri Board of Curators Distinguished Professor Emeritus; Author of The Political Performers; Editor-in-chief, The Encyclopedia of Television News
