We continue our look at the over saturated entertainment industry with some new examples such as celebrity reality television, digital cable channels, magazines and D-List celebrity dance singles.
Celebrity Reality Television
-Nowadays, we get more insight into our favorite celebrities through their use of social networking sites like twitter. But no medium gives us a more in-depth look at their lives than reality television. These programs are supposed to show celebrities as down-to-earth people who live normal lives just like you and I. It’s very rare that we’ve seen a reality show with an A-list celebrity. Most celebrities who participate on these shows are trying to either make a name for themselves or are trying to reclaim the spotlight after being swept under the rug by Hollywood. MTV was one of the first major television networks to launch a successful reality show when they scored a hit with the debut of ‘The Osbournes’. We learnt a lot from that show as we realized that aging metal rockers have trouble finding the remote or buying British chocolates in California. We then got new musicians stepping up to the plate as MTV attempted a second hit with ‘Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica’ which tried to showcase what a marriage was like between two newly married pop stars. Soon, the idea turned into a fad as we had everybody from Flavor Flav to Ice-T getting their own show. Heck, even Clint Eastwood’s wife and family got their own reality show. If these programs have taught us anything, it’s that they’re cheap to produce and tap into the voyeuristic tendencies of viewers which is why they get high ratings and continue to be pumped out at an alarming rate.
Digital Television Channels
-In the United States, for most of the history of broadcasting, there were only three or four major commercial national broadcast networks such as ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX. In 2009, The transition to digital broadcasting has allowed for television stations to offer more programming options than ever before. The first major channels that started to take shape were specialty channels such as 24 hr. news (CNN) 24 hr. music (MTV) and 24 hr. sports programming (ESPN). Soon, there needed to be a sub-genre for every type of topic in existence. New channels were devoted to food, fashion, comedy, homes & gardens and even movies which had long been the focus of the theater and VCR/DVD formats. Furthermore, the traditional broadcast networks have run out of programming space and some channels such as NBC now have their own digital channels such as CNBC, MSNBC, USA Network and NBC Sports. Some television services such as Direct TV now offer over 285 digital channels to choose from. It’s gotten to the point where some programs are having a difficult time finding an audience because television audiences are having trouble finding out which channel their favorite program is on and instead are looking at downloading or streaming their favorite program over the internet.
Tabloid Entertainment Magazines
-Tabloid magazines have stuck to the tradition of sensational stories and celebrity gossip. Tabloids such as the National Enquirer have often paid people for information or tips on certain juicy topics which has been frowned upon by more traditional newspapers. There are now approximately over 3000 gossip magazines out there but the six major USA ones include Star!, People, In Touch Weekly, OK!, Life & Style Weekly and US Weekly. These magazines often run identical gossip stories with the only key difference being the diversity of photos that they publish after they’ve paid off the paparazzi for the photos. Also, there is the accuracy of the news bits themselves which are often misleading and potentially slanderous which can destroy a public figure’s career. In addition, more and more internet gossip sites are popping up that are even more over saturated but have the advantage of publishing photos and stories much faster than they can ever reach magazine newsstands. This begs the question of how many magazines do we really need if any individual with their own blog can just publish their own photos and made-up stories without the need for major advertisers or potential lawsuits from celebrities?
D-List Celebrity Dance Music Singles & DJs
-American socialites have found the trick of trying to expand their 15 minutes of fame. Apparently, showing up to parties and being slutty and provocative is no longer relevant as many are now trying to extend their fame beyond the club and into your mp3 player. There are many examples but the easiest to identify is that of socialite Paris Hilton who launched her own self-titled pop album in 2006. She’s recently tried to change her music degree by attempting to become a DJ. A career switch to a DJ doesn’t require a bachelor’s degree and Paris is already familiar with the club scene and what dance music is being played in New York, Los Angeles or Miami so it’s not surprising she would try to make the switch to this field. However, her lack of talent with her music career is much more important since this is more of a manipulative marketing scheme rather than an honest attempt to express one’s artistic intent through music. She has now paved the way for many others such as Lindsey Lohan, Kim Kardashian, Katie Price, Alexa Chung and other people who can easily pretend to hit turntables with their fingers. Even the Jersey Shore needed to get into the act as one if it’s stars (Pauly D) has his very own reality show on MTV which follows his progression in his new career as a disc jockey.This concludes another edition of over saturation in the entertainment industry. We’ll bring you our 4th edition shortly that will feature such gems as the marketing of blockbuster movies, the over exposure of super hero movies, too many musicians, and one too many dating and makeover shows.
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