As someone who recently came out of the “teenage” demographic, one thing I can strongly relate to is the idea that there are few television shows that are applicable to the above demographic. Networks such as Family Channel, and MTV attempt to appeal to that age range, but often times fall short (in my personal opinion). Michele Byers studies television, specifically Canadian TV. She asks the question, “Why study Canadian TV?” and follows up with one reason that I feel, perfectly explains the lack of teenage appropriate television. She states that the first reason relates to the “need to take teens, teen TV, and Canadian TV seriously” by acknowledging that today’s youth are powerful media consumers, negotiating cultural meanings and who are
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This cannot be more true when it comes to teenage targeted programs. The United States prides itself on its patriotism, just as Canadians value nationalism and inclusiveness. The difference between the two, however, is the reason why (in my personal opinion) American programs are more successful with teenage programming. Patriotism is the central focus among all Americans, whereas in Canada, due to our ethnic diversity and want to appeal to a wide variety of different races. Obviously, the more people networks are trying to appeal to, the harder it is to meet the needs and expectations of them all. Young people are “often earnest, idealistic, and pedantic” (Byers, 2012, p. 129). Teenagers are so reliant on media to communicate, learn, and express themselves. I feel as though that is the problem in this day and age; how are mediums going to teach the youth all about the world, when often times content is created with certain ideals, or bias in mind. As well, keeping in mind the cultural importance of a nation may also be limiting to the success of a program. All in all, the idea of teenage programming, and the success or failure of it, is a complex intertwining of different factors that are hard to comprehend and explain; but are nonetheless, important to
This cannot be more true when it comes to teenage targeted programs. The United States prides itself on its patriotism, just as Canadians value nationalism and inclusiveness. The difference between the two, however, is the reason why (in my personal opinion) American programs are more successful with teenage programming. Patriotism is the central focus among all Americans, whereas in Canada, due to our ethnic diversity and want to appeal to a wide variety of different races. Obviously, the more people networks are trying to appeal to, the harder it is to meet the needs and expectations of them all. Young people are “often earnest, idealistic, and pedantic” (Byers, 2012, p. 129). Teenagers are so reliant on media to communicate, learn, and express themselves. I feel as though that is the problem in this day and age; how are mediums going to teach the youth all about the world, when often times content is created with certain ideals, or bias in mind. As well, keeping in mind the cultural importance of a nation may also be limiting to the success of a program. All in all, the idea of teenage programming, and the success or failure of it, is a complex intertwining of different factors that are hard to comprehend and explain; but are nonetheless, important to