The Genre of Talk Shows
Nicole Lubel
October 28, 2012
Leadership Project
The Genre of Talk
“ Talk Shows will never be in trouble because of the subject matter. The more controversial, the bigger the shows get” ( Abt, Mustazza). In our public sphere today we see a disturbing trend arise with the popularity of lowbrow, emotional, and chaotic genre called “trash television.” For decades, television has been an important resource to help Americans stay informed and entertained as well. In addition to news programs, variety shows, comedy, drama, and sports; the genre of the “talk show” has evolved as a staple source of programming. Talk shows began during the daytime, as a source of entertainment for women and veterans of war who were mainly in charge of tasks at home. From Phil Donahue to Oprah Winfrey, Americans have shown a passion for daytime talk show programming. Donahue and Winfrey have evolved as television cultural icons for viewers right in the comfort of their own homes. As we have witnessed today, however, the goal of other talk shows, such as Maury and The Jerry Springer Show is clearly to shock and entertain and not inform.
Thus, today many daytime talk shows have evolved into nothing more than the “freak” and the “geek” strutting around on stage providing entertainment for millions of Americans ( Quail, Razzano, Skalli). They are in the forefront of broadcast television, and syndicated to audiences through cable, satellite, and Internet. These shows ratings have improved which is detrimental to the public sphere due to the nature of the private topics they explore. This raises the question as to what has happened to make these talk shows evolve into negative models in our public sphere. What has lead to the hostile and confrontational discourse on which these shows feed?
Over the years talk shows have evolved from radio stations to television. After World War II talk shows became a major hit because of the need for relatively inexpensive programming. Talk shows were
October 28, 2012
Leadership Project
The Genre of Talk
“ Talk Shows will never be in trouble because of the subject matter. The more controversial, the bigger the shows get” ( Abt, Mustazza). In our public sphere today we see a disturbing trend arise with the popularity of lowbrow, emotional, and chaotic genre called “trash television.” For decades, television has been an important resource to help Americans stay informed and entertained as well. In addition to news programs, variety shows, comedy, drama, and sports; the genre of the “talk show” has evolved as a staple source of programming. Talk shows began during the daytime, as a source of entertainment for women and veterans of war who were mainly in charge of tasks at home. From Phil Donahue to Oprah Winfrey, Americans have shown a passion for daytime talk show programming. Donahue and Winfrey have evolved as television cultural icons for viewers right in the comfort of their own homes. As we have witnessed today, however, the goal of other talk shows, such as Maury and The Jerry Springer Show is clearly to shock and entertain and not inform.
Thus, today many daytime talk shows have evolved into nothing more than the “freak” and the “geek” strutting around on stage providing entertainment for millions of Americans ( Quail, Razzano, Skalli). They are in the forefront of broadcast television, and syndicated to audiences through cable, satellite, and Internet. These shows ratings have improved which is detrimental to the public sphere due to the nature of the private topics they explore. This raises the question as to what has happened to make these talk shows evolve into negative models in our public sphere. What has lead to the hostile and confrontational discourse on which these shows feed?
Over the years talk shows have evolved from radio stations to television. After World War II talk shows became a major hit because of the need for relatively inexpensive programming. Talk shows were
Cited: Abt, V., & Mustazza, L. (1997). Coming after Oprah: cultural fallout in the age of the TV talk show Halper, D. L. (2009). Icons of talk the media mouths that changed America. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press. Retrieved November 6, 2012, from bura.brunel.ac.uk/bitstream/2438/1406/4/ November 6, 2012, from http://www.emmytvlegends.org/interviews/people/phil-donahue Quail, C. M., Razzano, K. A., & Skalli, L. H. (2005). Vulture culture: the politics and pedagogy of daytime television talk shows Timberg, B., & Erler, B. (2002). Television talk: a history of the TV talk show. Austin, Tex.: University of Texas Press.