Age of Static: How TV Explains Modern Britain

This book explores the televisual contours of Britain over the last two decades, examining how television has shaped British society and culture. It looks at themes such as identity crisis, property and the class system, banter and political correctness, the role of the BBC, and the impact of reality TV on politics.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 240 pages
\n Publication date: 22 October 2020
\n Publisher: Melville House UK
\n

The television landscape of Britain offers a unique window into the country's society, culture, and values. Over the past two decades, British television has evolved and changed in significant ways, reflecting the changing social and political landscape of the nation. In this essay, we will explore the impact of British television on society over the past two decades, focusing on five key themes:

Britain's Identity Crisis:

Television has played a crucial role in shaping Britain's identity crisis over the past two decades. The rise of populism, nationalism, and Brexit has led to a questioning of the country's place in the world and a sense of uncertainty among its citizens. Television programs such as "The Great British Bake Off" and "Downton Abbey" have helped to promote a sense of national identity and pride, while others, such as "The Apprentice" and "Benefits Street," have highlighted the social and economic challenges faced by many Britons.

Property and the Class System:

Television has also played a significant role in perpetuating the class system in Britain. Programs such as "The Only Way Is Essex" and "Benefits Street" have depicted the lives of working-class individuals and their struggles to make ends meet. These programs have often been criticized for perpetuating stereotypes and promoting a narrow view of working-class life, but they have also been praised for providing a platform for these individuals to share their stories and raise awareness of their experiences.

Banter and Political Correctness:

British television has a reputation for its witty and sarcastic humor, and this has been reflected in the popularity of programs such as "The Office" and "Taskmaster." However, the rise of political correctness has also had an impact on television programming, with many shows being accused of promoting offensive or insensitive language. This has led to a debate about the balance between humor and social responsibility in television programming.

The Role of the BBC:

The BBC has been a dominant force in British television for over 70 years, and its programming has had a significant impact on the country's culture and society. The BBC is known for its high-quality programming, its commitment to social responsibility, and its role in promoting British values and culture. However, the BBC has also faced criticism over the past two decades, particularly in relation to its funding and its coverage of political issues.

The Impact of Reality TV:

Reality television has had a significant impact on British television over the past two decades, with shows such as "The X Factor" and "Big Brother" becoming hugely popular. These shows have brought fame and fortune to many individuals, but they have also been criticized for promoting stereotypes and promoting a narrow view of reality. Reality television has also been accused of promoting violence and sexual exploitation, particularly among young viewers.

In conclusion, British television has played a significant role in shaping society over the past two decades. From promoting a sense of national identity to perpetuating the class system, from promoting witty humor to navigating political correctness, from celebrating British values to facing criticism over its funding and coverage of political issues, television has played a vital role in shaping the country's culture and society. As we look to the future, it will be interesting to see how television continues to evolve and adapt to the changing social and political landscape of Britain.

\n Weight: 244g\n
Dimension: 128 x 199 x 21 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781911545521\n \n