Content characteristics of IPTV : analysis of sensationalism, localism, and interactivity

• Main Authors: Zhou, Shuhua, Cui, Di, Lin, Trisha Tsui-Chuan
• Other Authors: Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2015
• Subjects: DRNTU::Social sciences::Mass media::Media studies; DRNTU::Social sciences::Mass media::Broadcasting::TV
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/79429; http://hdl.handle.net/10220/25210
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This study combined observation and content analysis to examine professional IPTV content in terms of sensationalism, localism, and interactivity. Observational results found these videos were sensational, localized, and somewhat interactive. Content analysis showed that IPTV was different from traditional TV content in that it used more sensational sex and celebrity stories, used more tabloid packaging, and appealed more to emotions through vivid storytelling techniques, in both entertainment and news content. In addition, localism was reflected in the selection of geographically and culturally proximate stories. The “local hook” was more important in news than in entertainment. This case utilized some interactive features and social media for redistributing and for promoting selected content, but it still lacked two-way user interactivity. Implications are discussed.