The television will be revolutionized /

Unlike most scholarly studies of television programming and audience response, this work examines television from the standpoint of the industry--how it produces shows, controls all aspects of the medium, and makes a profit. Lotz (Univ. of Michigan) spent four years immersed in the day-to-day operations of television, cultural, and technological industries. Here she chronicles everything from formal conference presentations to casual conversations in her search of industry concerns and perspectives. She writes that the industry's mantra in the 21st century is "Whatever shows you want, whenever you want, on whatever screen you want." In the digital age, TiVo, VODs, DCRs, DVDs, DVRs, mobile phones, YouTube, and portable viewing devices have revolutionized the traditional television network industry. As a result, the programming that can be profitably produced and the cultural notions of scholars and critics require reconsideration. The industry is still about power, control, and profits, but the demands and choices of individuals are forcing changes. Lotz takes the reader behind the screen and explores in great detail what is changing, why it is changing, and why these changes matter. This is a vital, timely consideration of profound changes in a critical medium. Summing Up: Essential. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty and professionals. R. Cathcart emeritus, CUNY Queens College