Turning Off the Television: Broadcasting's Uncertain Future (Paperback)

by Jock Given (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
The technological, economic, programming and regulatory evolution of Australia's digital broadcasting system is explored in this well-organized and carefully documented study. Givens (The Death of Broadcasting?) offers extensive technical information and a reasonably balanced view of British and United States broadcasting systems, as he compares and contrasts their digital transmission development to the accomplishments and potential future of Australian broadcasting. The book focuses on the historical parallels of the three broadcasting systems, political and social uncertainties surrounding conversion to digital systems, the tech crash of 2001-2002, Australia's broadcasting regulatory progression, the economic bases of Australian broadcasting, the compatibility of new technology, the adoption of digital systems worldwide (and especially in the U.S. and Great Britain), and alternatives for Australia's digital conversion. Despite its thorough coverage, the book offers nothing substantially new, and the detailed discussions of the technical development of digital systems will distract all but the most committed readers. More interesting is Given's consideration of the political and social agendas that he sees as shaping the technological innovations. He unravels the complex web surrounding Australia's conversion to digital broadcasting systems, in the hopes that history will offer readers hints about the future. The book has limited value except to technical historians, those interested in Australian broadcasting development, or readers interested in parallels between three international broadcasting systems.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description
Governments are planning a remarkable step in the next decade or so. They are proposing to turn off television services. Not all services--just the transmission by the major networks of "analog" TV. By these dates, it is hoped that audiences will have acquired the equipment needed to receive "digital" TV. But there are two problems. First, people have to want their TV to be transformed and be prepared to pay the cost of the new equipment. Second, a better use has to be found for the vacated spectrum which justifies the transition.

Turning Off the Television is about tomorrow's broadcasting. From the dot-com crash to Marconi and back, from the digital age forward into an uncertain future, Jock Given explores the constant shifts in the technologies, business models and social uses of television and radio. He also explains the enduring aspects of broadcast media which have attracted so much government policy attention, and what might happen to them in the future. Skeptical about the hype, optimistic about the possibilities, honest about the scale of the policy challenges, Turning Off the Television is essential reading for anyone interested in the future of media.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: University of New South Wales Press (July 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0868405000
• ISBN-13: 978-0868405001
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: No customer reviews yet. Be the first.
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #3,595,473 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)