TELEVISION

TELEVISION In our time the word television has come to mean not merely some device that enables us to see at a distance , but a whole new art, a medium of instruction and entertainment . The entertainment industry within which television stands out as the most effective and powerful medium in terms of coverage and impact, turns out such products in quantity . The TV set is regarded as an instrument of family entertainment and this is to contribute to fostering a personality type which would suit the ruling class: a smugly satisfied with his wife and status consumer minded individual. The doctrine of ”mass culture” was behind the spurious slogan of television in general and of its commercial variety in particular:”TO GIVE THE PUBLIC WHAT IT WANTS.” This slogan is intended to justify any programmes however low-grade and insulting to human intelligence and dignity. ”Mass culture ” is closely bound up with advertising. Commercials divert the attention of TV audiences from political news and information , interrupt programmes , break the continuity of action in drama productions and thus mar the viewer’s impression of the lofty message of real art.