Description
Book SynopsisAmerican Consultants and the Marketization of Television News in the United Kingdom provides unprecedented insight into American news consultants' role in reshaping British television news during the 1990s. In 1986, American research and news consulting company Frank N. Magid Associates began infiltrating the British market. Five years later, the company was consulting for an extensive list of British client stations in preparation for the 1991 Independent Television (ITV) franchise auction. Their efforts were controversial, prompting public outcry against the Americanization of British television news. Despite the hostile climate, Magid's efforts were successful. Nine of their eleven client bidders emerged victorious from the franchise auction. This was only the beginning. Throughout the 1990s, Magid employees crisscrossed the country with research studies, business and marketing plans, and writing and storytelling seminars. At the time, this was the company's largest ven
Trade Review
“This landmark book by international broadcasting scholar, Madeleine Liseblad, offers invaluable insight into the previously untold story of how America’s leading TV News consultants expanded their methods and client base into the UK. Using company records, it shows how consultants provided direction for the BBC and ITV. Viewed skeptically for encouraging a model of an anchor on daily newscasts, we learn how the British adopted a market-driven system. This is a must read for media scholars.” —Michael D. Murray, University of Missouri Board of Curators Distinguished Professor Emeritus; Author of The Political Performers; Editor-in-chief, The Encyclopedia of Television News
Table of Contents
List of Illustrations – Preface – Acknowledgments – Introduction – Research Scope and Approach – The American Format: Inviting the Viewer into the Action – European and British Broadcasting: Informational Public Service, Fearful of Americanization – Crossing the Atlantic: American Consultants Tackling Research, Training; Similarities and Differences between the BBC and ITV – The News: All-Encompassing Changes – Visibility and Likability: Changing Talent Roles – Unstoppable Movement: Strong Societal Forces at Play – Good Storytelling: Contextualizing the British Transformation, Surprises and Implications – Appendix – Interview Subjects – Frank N. Magid Associates, Partial Client List – Bibliography – Index.
