The ratings are dominated by the soaps (Coronation Street, EastEnders, Neighbours and Emmerdale) and soap-style dramas (Casualty, which is set in a hospital, and The Bill, which is about the police). Light-entertainment talk shows also feature prominently (e.g. This Your Life, Barrymore and Noel's House Party) and quiz shows are sometimes very popular (e.g. Countdown). It is unusual that only one comedy programme appears below (Red Draft). Certain cinema films can also get high ratings (marked ** below). Science fiction remains a popular genre; Quantum Leap and Red Draft are both long-running series. Sports programmes appear in the top ten when they feature a particular sporting occasion. This happens frequently. There is one example in the list below (The Big Fight Live).
The list includes just one representative of 'high culture': the dramatization of the novel Middlemarch, by the nineteenth century author George Eliton. There are two documentaries, a travel series (Great Railway Journeys) and a science series (Horizon).
The Antiques Roadshow comes from a different location in the country every week. In it, local people bring along objects from their houses and ask experts how much they are worth.
Apart from the films, there is only one American programme in the list below (Quantum Leap).
QUESTIONS:
1. What are the essential characteristics of British newspapers? What are the two main types called, and who reads them?
2. To what extent are newspapers, radio and television funded by advertising?
3. Are there any limits to press freedom?
4. What is the essential dilemma faced by the press concerning the respect of privacy?
5. The dominant force in British Broadcasting is the BBS. What enabled it to achieve its position, and how does it maintain this? Which characteristics give the BBS its special position in Britain and in the rest of the world? Will British television maintain its world reputation for excellence?
6. What are British viewing habits?
IV. WELFARE STATE
- The National Health Service
- The Social Security System
- Personal Social Services and Charities