Popular Music on TVThe history...

The emergence of Youth Subculture...

Increased affluence and a desire to challenge the ideals of their parents led British youth in the 50’s to explore new types of identity.

The emergence of Teddy Boys, associated with skiffle and rock n roll, bikers and later, mods (Northern Soul) were subcultures with distinctive codes of dress and a desire for irreverence, hedonism...often communicated through popular music.

The 50’s & 60’s- Jukebox Jury(1959-67)

Cool for Cats (ITV- 1956-61)

Six Five Special (1957-58) BBC1-Swing, rock n roll & skiffle

Oh Boy (ITV) Live performances. (1958/59)

Ready, Steady, Go! (1963-66)

Jukebox Jury- Screenonline describes the show as ‘early pop in which guests rate the latest singles releases.

The 70s- Top of the Pops

The flagship BBC programme- archetypal music programme. Using hosts, a Top 40 imgrescountdown and live acts (in the 80’s music videos are added to the mix) (1964-2006)

Revolver (1978)- A specialist show for the punk generation but a bit too far before its time!

The Old Grey Whistle Test (BBC2) Album show aimed at an older audience, with more

1980’s: Increased competition

Rise of the Chart Show (ITV) 1986-98 with a video format (no host) copied from cable.

MTV starts on cable with Video Killed the Radio Star (Buggles) in 1981.

The Tube (C4) aims at a less mainstream audience.

Music Box (ITV) experimental all night TV musical service which does not last long!

1990’s: The MTV auteur...As well as satellite TV becoming ever more popular (with growing choice of channels, music included) the 90’s sees the rise of auteurs such as Spike Jonze, Chris Cunningham, Michel Gondry, Jonathan Glazer, Anton Corbijn and Stephane Sedanoui.

Later with Joolz Holland (BBC2) establishes a late night (weekend) slot showcasing live, world musical acts and aimed at an older audience. Holland used to present The Tube!

Never Mind the Buzzcocks- BBC 1996+

Fragementation...

Snub TV (BBC, 1988-90) & Rapido (BBC, 1988-92) both blended studio performance and video and aimed at less mainstream tastes. Both did poorly because of unfavourable scheduling.

Equally, Baadasss TV (Channel 4- 1995/96) & Flava (C4- 1996-2001) aimed at the black audience and suffered the same fate.

Reality TV format...

Pop Idol (ITV, 2001)imgres

Fame Academy (BBC, 2002)

The X-factor BBC (2004)

Got Talent franchise- ITV (2007)

Check your notes on Simon Cowell and Simon Fuller from last year.

2000+With the rise of the internet, the consumer has been able to ever more specifically pursue their own musical interests. Downloading/P2P (music & video), Web 2.0 interactive forums etc have enabled us to set our own agendas.

Increasingly, cable TV has continued to grow with an ever widening choice of music channels.

The rise of You Tube (2005+) which provides music videos etc as well as other services.

2007

Convergence has led to an ever less clear cut difference between traditionally different mediums. What exactly does Pop Music on TV mean in 2007? Do we mean the widescreen TV in the front room, the media centre, The PC screen, mobile phones? All provide the capability to consume pop music on TV as technologies collapse into one.

Cable channels devoted to music!

MTV UK, VH1, MTV2 Europe, MTV Hits, MTV Dance, MTV Base, VH1- Classic, TMF UK (The Music Factory), MTV Flux, MTV Ireland, MTV imgresTrax, Smash Hits, Magic UK, Kerrang, The Hits, B4U Music. The Box, FHM Music TV, Rock World TV, Classic FM TV, The Musik, Channel U, Chart Show TV, Pop, Tiny Pop, The Vault.

Check out this link to the new BBC replacement For Top of the Pops: Sound

http://sismedia.wetpaint.com/page/Pop+Music

Investigative Task

Define your own musical tastes. What bands/artists do you like? Roughly speaking, which genres can you divide these into?

Investigate what services are available to cater for your interests?

Present your findings back to the class. (Maximum in a group is 3. 5 minute pres)