American Consultants and the Marketization of Television News in the United Kingdom

American Consultants and the Marketization of Television News in the United Kingdom provides insight into the role of American news consultants in reshaping British television news during the 1990s. The book explores the controversial efforts of Frank N. Magid Associates to infiltrate the British market, resulting in successful client stations in the 1991 Independent Television (ITV) franchise auction. Interviews with Magid staff and U.K. journalists offer a comprehensive examination of the marketization of British television news, including how news became better tailored to the medium and audience, key concepts advocated by Magid, and societal forces at play.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 08 October 2020
Publisher: Peter Lang Publishing Inc

Consultants and the Marketization of Television News in the United Kingdom offers an unparalleled insight into the pivotal role of American news consultants in reshaping British television news during the 1990s. In 1986, the American research and news consulting company Frank N. Magid Associates initiated its infiltration into the British market. Five years later, the company was providing consulting services to an extensive list of British client stations, in preparation for the highly anticipated 1991 Independent Television (ITV) franchise auction. Their endeavors, despite facing controversy and public outcry, proved fruitful. Nine out of the eleven client bidders that Magid represented emerged victorious in the auction. This marked the beginning of a significant expansion for the company into international television.

Throughout the 1990s, Magid employees undertook extensive travels across the country, conducting research studies, developing business and marketing plans, and delivering writing and storytelling seminars. At that time, this represented the company's largest venture into the international television realm.

American consultants' work abroad holds immense significance. They propagate the U.S. model, which serves as the foundation of today's on-air style, and have exerted a profound impact on television news globally by collaborating with local media. However, despite their vast influence, limited research has been conducted on their international endeavors, primarily due to proprietary material. This book is grounded in unprecedented and unrestricted access to Magid's archives, providing a comprehensive examination of the marketization of British television news. Interviews with Magid staff and U.K. journalists further enhance the analysis, shedding light on various aspects such as how news became more tailored to the medium and audience; the key concepts that Magid advocated for integration into U.K. news; and the societal forces that drove this transformative process.

Weight: 501g
Dimension: 159 x 236 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781433165269
Edition number: New ed