Review by Choice Review
A cohesive collection of essays written by academics, journalists, and industry insiders, this timely book addresses the issues facing soap opera, "one of television's longest-running genres." The volume looks at specific areas of concern for the soap opera industry, seeking to analyze whether the daytime soap, as currently structured, can survive, given falling ratings, changes in demographics, and advancements in technology. Although many books have examined television as an industry--for example, whether it can survive the competition of the Internet (and changes in viewing patterns), which requires the industry to rethink its "appointment" viewing scheduling--the present collection is unique in focusing specifically on soap operas. In addition to looking at the impact of technology and shifts in viewership, the volume considers soap opera's historical relationship with and impact on fans and the impact of production changes and modes of storytelling on the genre, which is trying to stay current and at the same time true to its "roots." Well structured and well documented, this is an excellent supplemental resource for media studies and/or television history. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through faculty. A. F. Winstead Our Lady of the Lake University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
