Describe the expansion of multi channel TV in the UK (when it happened and which channel came first)
In 1998 Sky's digital service was introduced, which meant lots of new channels such as sky sport and american channels which weren't previously accessible.
How has this affected the TV industry - in terms of employment and revenue?
Since the expansion of channels it's meant people have had a lot more choice in what they want to watch. This means that channels have become more competitive with one and other because they're fighting for regular viewers.
In terms of employment and revenue it's meant that more people are employed to advertise the channels and more effort is put in the keeping the audience they already have.
It also means that channels are more like businesses and they want to get money out of it.
How has the internet affected the TV industry - in terms of employment and revenue?
The internet means that people can watch shows online. So most channels now have an "on demand" service which means people can go to their website and watch shows they've missed.
Again it means more employment because they have to hire people to make the website and make sure it's running efficiently.
Having shows online means more room for advertising and since some servers track what websites people go on they can target the audience with precision. This means companies have to pay more to have advertisements put in so for the channels it's quite good.
How has the internet affected how people watch films and TV?
Lots of people now watch shows and films online, whether this be legal or illegal ways. It's a lot easier to watch a film online then to order the DVD and wait until it arrives.
Describe potential copyright issues (downloading/effects on revenue etc)?
Downloading films/TV shows means that companies and channels are losing out on money because people are getting their product for free.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of HD TV?
The advantages are that channels are getting money from people paying to have HD channels. And it's an advantage for people watching because they think they're getting more for their money.
The disadvantages are that channels are paying more for high quality shows to be made.
How do you think on demand services like Netflix/Love film have changed how people watch films?
Again I think it gives people more choice in what they want to watch. Also it means some people might just watch films for the sake of watching them, because they can. Which overall is good for film companies.
Do you think new technologies - on the whole - have improved or damaged the TV and Film industries?
I think on the whole it's improved it because now people don't have to just go to the cinema to watch films. In the past they could only watch films in the cinema but now they can get the DVD and watch it online and through renting it which has made people more into films than ever before.
With TV though I think it may have damaged it, because TV is about a show being broadcasted to the entire country at the same time. And it's also a talking point, but if now people are watching it at different times and on their own (due to it being online) I think it's taking away what is unique to television.
