What is TV? Contemporary Modern Television
THE POST-NETWORK ERA
The Post-Network Era, as the name suggests, indicates a time when television practices, content and reception is not dominated by the characteristics of the Network Era. Whilst some scholars have prematurely proclaimed the advent of the post-network era, (hereon PNE), the data all points to the reality that audiences and industry are still negotiating the changes and tribulations of the MCTP. We are in a mid-point between Lotz’ MCTP and the PNE, stuck between the past and the future. The PNE which is determined by a marked abandonment of Network industrial practices is not yet upon us, though some mark its commencement as early as 2005. Unfortunately for brevity, the last 10 years of television have demonstrated that what we know as television is still very much being negotiated by new technologies, industry, “rituals of use”, (Lotz 2014, pg 3) and audience practices.
It is yet to be determined if the two systems of practice; network and new media, can co-exist or if one will ultimately oust the other. Our research report aims to provide clarity on this issue by exploring our contention that traditional broadcast television is dying.