Author: Katz, Richard S.

Publication Year: 1981

Media Type: Book

Summary:

The author compares the British Broadcasting Corporation with the corporation for Public Broadcasting in conjunction with the Public Broadcasting Service and National Public Radio. Seeking to determine the extent to which the two systems create demands for the art and serve to satisfy these demands, the author introduces problems with public broadcasting, the history and structure of both American and British broadcasting, and then compares the levels of support, program philosophy and audience composition.

Abstract:

The author compares the British Broadcasting Corporation with the corporation for Public Broadcasting in conjunction with the Public Broadcasting Service and National Public Radio. Seeking to determine the extent to which the two systems create demands for the art and serve to satisfy these demands, the author introduces problems with public broadcasting, the history and structure of both American and British broadcasting, and then compares the levels of support, program philosophy and audience composition.

[The author] considers the relationship between public broadcasting and the performing arts with specific reference to the and Great Britain. Among the topics discussed are issues which cut across the broad spectrum of support for public culture. For example, consider the implications of these issues as they relate to the future as patronage. Broadcast performances can bring the arts to a wider audience than ever before. Further, television and radio can introduce high quality artistic productions to people who would never consider attending such performances live. What will this mean for future arts policies? Can a political compromise be found in subsidizing high culture for an elite attending-audience and a great mass-audience sitting at home enjoying the performance on radio or television? Clearly, these are questions which spark debate and need much more discussion. [General introduction, p. 6]

CONTENTS

• Public support of the arts.
• Problems in public broadcasting.
• British broadcasting: history and structure.
• American broadcasting: history and structure.
• The systems compared: levels of support.
• The systems compared: program philosophy.
• The systems compared: audience.

Arts & Intersections:

Categories: International