Mass media have been evolving for more than 500 years. As each medium develops, it relies on the previous medium for content, audiences, and even business models. For instance, when television was first developed, it was described as radio with pictures, or as a combination of radio and film. The first television networks were owned and operated by those that owned the radio networks. And the content of television relied on old movies, as well as stars and programs imported from radio.
Technological evolution relies on discoveries and experiments in lots of related fields, and the application of those discoveries in the media context. Because most of media is storytelling of one kind or another, we need both the artists that can tell stories and the scientists that can apply new technologies to create each new medium. In the capitalist system, we also need the businesses that can create and maintain the mass media networks to distribute those stories to us (and charge us for the privilege).
Please answer the following THINK questions in 300 words:
How much do you know about the technologies that provide your favorite television show?
Is it shot on film or tape or computer discs?
How does it get from the television studio to you?