| DanaC |
04-17-2010 10:06 AM |
There's also a danger in taking the 'view from above'. Programme makers make assumptions about their viewers: doesn't mean they're right. It is generally in their interests to target the lowest common denominator in order to increase consumption and reduce risk.
The fact that in a totally commercial environment (which the US entertainment market is) clever programmes do get made and are popular (you just have to look at HBO to see that this is the case) suggests that there is an appetite for challenging television. In the UK we are in a fortunate position of having the gargantuan BBC dominating the entertainment landscape and ensuring that even the commercial channels have to compete against them on the grounds of quality as well as popularity.
That doesn't mean we dont have lowest common denominator programming; but it does mean that such fare cannot dominate in the same way.
That you guys can routinely produce fabulous television that breaks the mold and pushes the boundaries again and again, despite operating in a totally commercial environment is to be admired and gives the lie somewhat to the idea that the audience isn't there, or is ill-prepared to accept the challenge.
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