It's Not TV
Subtitle: Watching HBO in the Post-Television Era
Edition: 1 edition
Publisher: Routledge
Published: November 1, 2007
Language: eng
Format: Hardcover
Number of pages: 256
ISBN-13: 9780415960373
Subjects: Radio & television industry; Television; Performing Arts; Technology & Industrial Arts; Performing Arts/Dance; USA; Television & Video; Television - History & Criticism
Description: Since first going on the air in 1972, HBO has continually attempted to redefine television as we know it. Today, pay television (and HBO in particular) is positioned as an alternative to network offerings, consistently regarded as the premier site for what has come to be called "quality television." This collection of new essays by an international group of media scholars argues that HBO, as part of the leading edge of television, is at the center of television studies interests in market positioning, style, content, technology, and political economy. The contributors focus on pioneering areas of analysis and new critical approaches in television studies today, highlighting unique aspects of the "HBO effect" to explore new perspectives on contemporary television from radical changes in technology to dramatic shifts in viewing habits. It 's Not TV provides fresh insights into the "post-television network" by examining HBO 's phenomenally popular and pioneering shows, including The Sopranos, The Wire, Six Feet Under, Sex and the City as well as its failed series, such as K Street and The Comeback. The contributors also explore the production process itself and the creation of a brand commodity, along with HBO 's place as a market leader and technological innovator.