CULTURE MEDIA AND SOCIETY

The Weakest Link - The Extent To Which It Fulfils the BBC's Remit As A

Public Service Broadcaster.



The Extent to Which It Fulfils the BBC's Remit as a

Public Service Broadcaster

Thesis Statement

Regardless of the fact that” The Weakest Link” is constantly under criticism, but it is one of the top rated shows aired on BBC. The program provides entertainment, information and education to the viewer. This program can be used as a support to Scannell's argument that public service broadcasting has not outlived its relevance.

Introduction

The Public Service Broadcasting (PSB) is a relative term used in United Kingdom for a broadcasting source which is working for public welfare. The content of such broadcasting networks are very general in nature and can be displayed in any part of the nation. The communication regulatory monitor that the programs aired is free from commercial concerns. The aspiration of PSB was to air the social gatherings and an ideal British society. The basic proposal was to create a public service environment in all the sectors such as transportation, utilities, education, medicine and government. A goal was set to create a mindset of people towards a common growth that leads to public unity and public benefit (BBC,2012b, pp.n.d.).

In 1922, a company was formed with the aim to provide a platform to radio programs created by a group of radio manufacturing companies. The proposal was carried out by General Post Office to unite the radio companies under the name of British Broadcasting Company Ltd. (BBC). The company prospered and in the General Manager John Reith in the year 1927 relaunched BBC as British Broadcasting Corporation as the company is now a municipal Corporation. John Reith put forward the idea of display national ideology and culture which was followed by education and entertainment by PSB. The programs that were included for airing were very subtle; anything that could lead to controversy or affect the British culture was eliminated. (BBC,2012b, pp.n.d.).

The weakest Link

It is apparently very difficult for public broadcasting channel to maintain ratings, as the competitive channels are less bound by contract and moral. By the year 2000, the competition was getting fierce the media wars were at extreme. To maintain the rating BBC, had to find innovative ideas, a prime example to was the program “The Weakest Link”.

The program was aired on BBC 2, during the tenure of August 14, 2000 to March 31, 2012. The show came to an end because the glorious host Anne Robinson finished her contract. The format is based on quiz show on the format of rapid fire questioning to win ten thousand pounds. The questions are related to general knowledge and a team is established of contestants, who are expected to answer the questions in turns. The purpose in each round is to give a correct answer, as a valid response contributes to the communal fund with in a mentioned time frame. The links are created equal to the number of participants of the ...