Money Money Money

Wow, week 6 was definitely the most notes I'd ever taken down for JOUR1111.

I never thought there was so much detail between different television networks, and how damn rich the people are who own SO MUCH.

The main focus of this week's lecture, to me, was Commercial Media. I guess I'd always thought this covered all television networks, but now as we delve deep into it I'm realising whenever I watch ABC3 (yes, I am 18...) there are no actual paid commercials.

Commercial Media is channels 7, 9, 10 and all their digital channels inbetween. You realise how much advertising is involved in television when you buy the box set of a series and the usual hour long show is only 40 minutes without advertising. It is, afterall, the advertisers who pay to keep these show running.

Basically, the more popular a show, the more money is paid for an ad slot. I remember hearing ridiculous figures companies would pay for televised time during the Superbowl, and wondering if paying that amount of money would really pay off.

Admittedly, I do fall under the category of people who mainly follow Commercial Media. I am part of the group Network Ten focussed on the gain viewers: I used to be a dedicated follower of Big Brother and Australian Idol. And, just like I am following the ratings, I now find most of the television I watch is on Channel 7. I'm not entirely sure there is an intelligent reason for this, I just enjoy most of the programs it shows.

I do understand why advertisers would want to market their projects through the most popular broadcasters, but I'm not sold on how well it would work. I rarely pay attention to advertisements and am often day dreaming during the breaks.

I watch for the program not the advertising, but I guess the two really work hand-in-hand.

Until next time.