The Pwerful Functions of Television

It is an undeniable fact that, television acts as a very powerful tool of controlling our mind. Since the television first appeared in the early 20th century, it has impacted people's lives for many generations. The information that we obtain from various TV programs impinges on our individualities in some way. Namely television has become the most powerful tool which can insensibly convert the manner in which viewers think and experience. When the television is becoming a part of social culture, people are unwittingly get stuck and spend more spare time on watching TV. Even though the Internet, which acts as the fourth media, is dismantling people’s concentration seriously, the dominant-hegemonic position of television will exist for quite some time as well as influence the behaviors of the public to a large extent. Indeed, as John Fiske said, “Television-as-culture is a crucial part of the social dynamics by which the social structure maintains itself in a constant process of production and reproduction: meanings, popular pleasures, and their circulation are therefore part and parcel of this social structure” (1987:1). It seems that the television holds powerful functions on changing structure of society and perspectives of people.

After working and studying all day, most people expect the moment that they can sit on the sofa and watch their favorite TV shows without tense and anxiety. However, entertainment is the most simple function which television undertake. This primary function is not enough to draw as much as attention of audiences because other medium can also achieve easily.When it comes to other medium, the radio and the newspaper have to be mentioned. Although the radio has sound, television provides both sound ...

... middle of paper ...

...e of a culture industry, TV programs should correspond to the contemporary culture and background of the time. Simultaneously, it is required to deliver positive energy to the public. No matter how the society changes, the influence of television will continue to be profound and durable!

Works Cited

Television-as-culture is a crucial part of the social dynamics by which the social structure maintains itself in a constant process of production and reproduction: meanings, popular pleasures, and their circulation are therefore part and parcel of this social structure

These fundamental changes in television and the value of its products should be located in broader economic and cultural shifts that have seen a marked drift towards a consumer individualism in which everybody is encouraged to assert their right to the satisfaction of their particular needs and wants