lesson 6 the media in britain
TRANSCRIPT
The Media in BritainThe Media in BritainThe Press, Radio, Television and News Agencies
The Press (p. 169)The Press (p. 169)Gutenberg’s 15th century printing
press is one of the most important inventions in history.
The first newspaper in Britain appeared in 1513.
The longest running British newspaper is The Times
◦ Began in 1785
Differences in Differences in newspapersnewspapers
Quality Newspapers (Broadsheet)
Popular Newspapers (Tabloids)
More credible
Contain political, industrial, financial and cultural news
Less credible
Sensationalism
OtherOtherSunday papers
◦ Often crude◦ More sensationalism – scandal, crime, and
rumors about famous people
Local Papers◦ Daily or weekly – can be found all over
Britain
Periodicals (Magazines) (p. 173)◦ The Economist is the most influential
periodical◦ Radio Times and TV Times – previews
upcoming programs
Ownership of the Press (p. Ownership of the Press (p. 171)171)More than 60% of the national newspapers
are owned by two major companies◦ Trinity Mirror is owned by Robert Maxwell◦ News International is owned by Rupert Murdoch
Why problems may come up with such exclusive ownership in the media?◦ Focus on profit (Murdoch also owns News
Corporation)◦ Sensationalism (seen more in tabloids)◦ Independent newspapers find it difficult to
survive
Radio and TelevisionRadio and TelevisionBritish Broadcasting Company
(BBC) p. 174◦Founded in 1922 and chartered in
1927
◦The BBC includes both radio and television stations
◦The BBC is financed by payments from everyone who owns a TV. £139.50 per year £47 for black and white TV sets
Popular British TV ShowsPopular British TV ShowsThe most viewed channels are BBC1,
BBC2, ITV, Channel 4 and Five
Options of terrestrial, cable and satellite television
News Agencies (p. 175)News Agencies (p. 175)Reuters and Press Association Ltd. (PA) are
the main agencies in Britain.
A news agency provides information to newspapers, magazine, radio and television sources
Reuters - provides financial news
Press Association - produces 150-200 stories on weekdays
Sports (p. 178)Sports (p. 178)Football (Soccer) is the most popular sport in
Britain.
Rugby is more popular is places like Wales.
Cricket was started by the British but is played more in the commonwealth (India, South Africa, etc.)
Sports (cont.)Sports (cont.)Golf – popular sport for older British people.
Played on large greens (fields) with clubs and a small hard ball
Tennis – played on grass, clay, and hard (cement)court. Wimbledon is a famous tournament played every year in London.
Science (p. 182)Science (p. 182)Sir Francis Bacon
◦ Revolutionized scientific research◦ Wanted to start research institutions
Royal Society in London – founded in 1660◦ Research society◦ See a push in “the search for truth”
Isaac Newton◦ Theory of gravity
James Watt – Steam engine◦ Improved the ideas of Thomas Newcomen
Science (cont.)Science (cont.)George Stephenson
◦The steam railway engine was an improvement upon Richard Trevithick
John Dalton◦Atomic theory – elements have
different weights and mass
Charles Darwin◦Theory of evolution – revolutionary at
this time
Science (cont.)Science (cont.)Francis Crick
◦ With the help of American J. D. Watson, they discovered the molecular structure of DNA
Today◦Scientific research has not been
turned into productive forces◦Britain is involved in advanced
scientific research, but does not use this research for profit