Audience and Industry: blog task

  Audience

1) Who is the target audience for Doctor Who? Do you think it has changed since 1963?

From 1970-2010 the female audience grew by 22%. More diverse representation over recent years (gay characters, black central characters, strong female characters and of course the new female doctor) have all encouraged a wider audience. Doctor Who is one of the most iconic franchises that the BBC has

2) What audience pleasures are offered by Doctor Who - An Unearthly Child? Apply Blumler and Katz's Uses and Gratifications theory to the episode. Make sure you provide specific examples from the episode to support your ideas.

 

Doctor Who - An Unearthly Child offers various audience pleasures that can be analysed through Blumer and Katz's Uses and Gratifications theory.

1. Personal Identity: The episode allows viewers to identify with the characters and their struggles, particularly with the Doctor and his mysterious nature. For example, viewers may find pleasure in exploring the Doctor's enigmatic personality and his ability to travel through time and space, which can spark curiosity and a sense of adventure in the audience.

2. Personal Relationships: The dynamic between the Doctor and his companions, as well as the interactions with other characters in the episode, can provide viewers with a sense of connection and emotional engagement. For instance, the relationship between the Doctor and Susan showcases a familial bond that viewers may find relatable and heart-warming.

3. Diversion (Escapism): Doctor Who - An Unearthly Child offers viewers a form of escapism through its imaginative storytelling and fantastical elements. The episode transports viewers to different worlds and time periods, allowing them to temporarily escape from their everyday lives and immerse themselves in a thrilling and otherworldly adventure.

4. Surveillance (Information / Facts): The episode also caters to viewers who seek knowledge and information by presenting them with intriguing mysteries and scientific concepts. For example, the Doctor's time-traveling TARDIS and the exploration of different historical periods provide viewers with a mix of entertainment and educational value, satisfying their curiosity for new information and facts.

Overall, Doctor Who - An Unearthly Child offers a diverse range of audience pleasures that cater to different needs and preferences, making it a compelling and engaging viewing experience for fans of science fiction and adventure.

3) What additional Uses and Gratifications would this episode provide to a modern 2020s audience?

Doctor Who - An Unearthly Child continues to provide additional Uses and Gratifications to a modern 2020s audience. The episode offers nostalgia for long-time fans, showcases diversity and representation, incorporates social commentary on relevant issues, and fosters community and fandom engagement. With its rich history, diverse characters, thought-provoking themes, and dedicated fan base, the episode remains relevant and engaging for viewers in the present day.

4) Thinking of the 3 Vs audience pleasures (Visceral, Vicarious and Voyeuristic pleasures), which of these can be applied to An Unearthly Child?

Doctor Who - An Unearthly Child effectively caters to the 3 Vs audience pleasures - Visceral, Vicarious, and Voyeuristic pleasures. The episode provides visceral pleasure through its suspenseful and emotionally impactful storytelling, engaging viewers on a deep emotional level. It offers vicarious pleasure by immersing audiences in the fantastical world of time travel and alien encounters, allowing them to experience thrilling adventures alongside the characters. Additionally, the episode satisfies voyeuristic pleasure by providing a glimpse into the characters' lives, relationships, and challenges, allowing viewers to observe and explore different worlds and experiences through the show's narrative. Overall, Doctor Who - An Unearthly Child successfully appeals to a wide range of audience pleasures, making it a captivating and engaging viewing experience for fans

5) What kind of online fan culture does Doctor Who have? Give examples.

Doctor Who has a vibrant and diverse online fan culture that encompasses a wide range of activities and communities. Fans of the show engage in discussions, fan theories, fan fiction, fan art, and cosplay on various online platforms such as social media, forums, and fan websites. They also participate in virtual watch parties, live-tweeting episodes, and creating fan-made content like podcasts and YouTube videos. Additionally, Doctor Who fans organize conventions, fan meet-ups, and fan clubs to connect with like-minded individuals and celebrate their shared love for the show. One notable example of Doctor Who's online fan culture is the creation of fan-run websites like Gallifrey Base and Reddit's Doctor Who community, where fans can interact, share their thoughts, and engage in lively debates about the show's episodes, characters, and storylines. Overall, Doctor Who's online fan culture is a vibrant and inclusive community that fosters creativity, collaboration, and camaraderie among fans worldwide.

Industries

1) What was the television industry like in 1963? How many channels were there?

In 1963, the television industry was experiencing significant growth and innovation, with television sets becoming more common in households and programming expanding to cater to a wider audience. The 1960s marked a period of transition from black-and-white to colour television, with many shows starting to be broadcast in colour. Popular genres of television shows during this time included sitcoms, variety shows, westerns, and dramas.

In terms of the number of channels available in 1963, it varied depending on the region and the type of television service. In the United States, for example, there were three major networks - ABC, CBS, and NBC - that dominated the television landscape. Additionally, there were some local channels and public broadcasting stations available in certain areas. In the UK, the BBC was the primary television broadcaster, with ITV also providing programming. Overall, the television industry in 1963 was dynamic and evolving, with a limited number of channels compared to the vast array of options available today.

2) How does An Unearthly Child reflect the level of technology in the TV industry in 1963?

In 1963, however, 'An Unearthly Child' was seen as technologically advanced, particularly in terms of the theme music. However, in comparison to contemporary texts these production elements are now seen as outdated.

3) Why is Doctor Who such an important franchise for the BBC? 

Doctor Who is an important franchise for the BBC due to its long-standing legacy, dedicated fan base, global reach, and cultural impact. As one of the longest-running and most iconic science fiction series in television history, Doctor Who has a rich history and a versatile nature that allows it to constantly reinvent itself and attract new audiences. The show's themes of adventure, exploration, and the triumph of good over evil resonate with viewers of all ages, making it a beloved and enduring part of British television. Its ability to stay relevant and inspire spin-offs, merchandise, and fan creations solidifies its position as a cornerstone of the BBC's programming line-up and a valuable asset for the broadcaster.

4) What other programmes/spin-offs are part of the wider Doctor Who franchise?

The wider Doctor Who franchise includes several spin-off series that expand upon the universe and characters of the main show. Some notable spin-offs include "Torchwood," which follows a team of alien hunters based in Cardiff, "The Sarah Jane Adventures," which focuses on former companion Sarah Jane Smith and her adventures with a group of young friends, and "Class," which follows a group of students at Coal Hill Academy dealing with alien threats. Additionally, there have been various audio dramas, novels, comic books, and other media that further explore the Doctor Who universe and its characters. These spin-offs and expanded universe materials contribute to the rich tapestry of storytelling within the Doctor Who franchise, offering fans new perspectives and adventures beyond the main series.

5) Why does the Doctor Who franchise have so much merchandise available? Give examples

.The Doctor Who franchise has a wide range of merchandise available due to its large and dedicated fan base. Some examples of merchandise include action figures, clothing, home décor items, collectible items like sonic screwdrivers, TARDIS replicas, and even board games. The popularity of the show and its iconic characters and symbols have led to a high demand for merchandise among fans.