Weekly New Digital Media - 26.04.17 (66)

’13 Reasons Why’ has been named 2017’s biggest show on Twitter

             

http://www.nme.com/news/tv/13-reasons-why-is-2017s-biggest-show-on-twitter-2058848

13 reasons why tells the story of a teenage girl who reveals the reasons she committed suicide through a series of tapes sent to members of her peer group.  This show has got a lot of criticism, last week, an Australian mental health charity warned that 13 Reasons Why contains “dangerous content”. Actress Shannon Purser – Barb from Stranger Things– has said she thinks the show isn’t suitable for some more vulnerable viewers. However, this new Netflix original has gotten in the interest of the audience as so many people have spoken about it but also binge-watched it. 

[] 13 Reasons Why has more than 11 million tweets – more than any other show in 2017

Everyone is talking about the new show that has Netflix has produced. The show that addressed mental health and issues surrounding suicide, it helps raise awareness. Personally for me I understand the issues that 13 reasons why show and why they are adderessing the issue but for me personally, i think they have went the wrong way with it, as it can see that Hannah "takes the easy way out" as she doesnt really talk to no one about the issues she's facing when she had a lot of people to do that with but instead it can be seen she wasnt taking suicide as a serious matter. A lot of memes have also been created from 13 reasons why and a lot of people are creating jokes out of it and missing the point of the main message. 

Weekly New Digital Media - 26.04.17 (65)

Google acts against fake news on search engine 

                    

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/apr/25/google-launches-major-offensive-against-fake-news

Google announced its first attempt to combat the circulation of “fake news” on its search engine with new tools allowing users to report misleading or offensive content, and a pledge to improve results generated by its algorithm. The company had said that this would help and allow users to complain about any misleading, inaccurate or hateful content in its autocomplete functions, which then pops up to suggest searched on the first few characters that the users have typed. They said this would also refine its search engine to “surface more authoritative pages and demote low-quality content.” Google will also allow users to make complaints about its “featured snippets” – Google’s name for the boxed-out answers that appear at the top of searches for common queries.

[] Results would allow Google to change the way pages were ranked in search results.

In my opinion, all the attention that is coming towards fake news and how mainstream companies will try to fight it, is becoming quite important to the audience. Google being a high search engine have done a good job to make sure that the company is interactive with tis audiences, there audiences have a way to communicate to them about anything they see that they don't like or is inaccurate. The new tool that they have introduced is a step to reducing fake news or tackling the problem, audience are active and are being in charge with reporting what they see instead of ignoring it. As what will be reported by the users, the results would allow Google to change the way the pages were ranked in the search results making less users accessing the site, so that way there would be less chances of users crossing fake news or content that makes them upset, inaccurate or even misleading.

Ignite presentation

Independent Case Study

Case study research tasks
The basics

Your chosen industry: Film

Your chosen case study (i.e. text/institution etc.):  Netflix streaming (Tv series) (The Crown + 13 Reasons Why) 

Have you received approval for this case study from your teacher? Yes


Audience

1) How has new and digital media changed the audience experience in your chosen industry?
A lot more audiences now stream films through the internet or through streaming services like Netflix or Amazon Prime, those that are now more legitimate whilst some who stream film through other sites. Audiences  experience has become more worthwhile and comforting at their own homes, they have more access to what they want to watch, whenever and wherever too. Now its just not getting to see films in the cinema but more on the internet for free. New and digital media has allowed audience to access film in various new platforms, opening new discussions and allowing film to become interactive. 

2) Has new and digital media changed the way the audience consume your chosen product?
Yes, as mentioned above, films are now becoming more accessible on the net, for free hence why not many people now go to cinemas to watch the movies. Digital media has become more apparent and an easier access to anything online esspecially films. I think this has been done because people, the users of the internet can put on content and getting away with posting links of downloads for people to see the movie for free or at least at a lower price which of course is beneficial but risky at the same time.  

3) Has the size of the audience changed as a result of new and digital media?
The size of the audience is becoming more dramatic and increasing as the days go on. In the olden times it was very selective people who could go to the cinemas and watch the movie they wished too (mostly the rich and middle class.) But now, it doesn't matter on what the demographic audience it is, and what platform the film is accessible in, a wide range of more audience now are accessible to it. The convenience of film is becoming much more apparent to any audience through any platform of new and digital media. 

4) What are the positive changes new and digital media have brought to the audience of your case study? 
Audiences now have much more greater choices, they have a choice to where they want to watch the film, it can be either watch it in a cinema or wait till it comes out on DVD or now which is much more the way of watching the movie online either streaming it on official websites and streaming services or through the internet for free on certain websites. Each different platform of new and digital media is becoming an easier to access for a large audience now, the convenience and the availability is much more in the benefit of the audiences rather than the industry because it does limit down their profits that the movie will make. The movies also last very long online, giving the audience choice till when they want to watch it and when by, there is no date of taking the movie down but through traditional media like going to the cinema, most of the time the audiences would be given a limit amount of time they could access the movie in the cinema at certain times whilst the online doesn't. Having to access the film online free would be the biggest benefit for the audiences. 

5) What are the negative changes new and digital media have had on your chosen audience? (E.g. quality of product etc.)
Sometimes, if audience do not watch the movie online through official streaming services but decide to watch the movie on online websites for free or download a link to watch a movie, it can be the case that sometimes the quality of the movie can be very poor but because it isn't legitimate or official, this can be the case of watching a movie through the internet. Another downside of new and digital media have had on film is that sometimes the websites would say in the title of the movie a user would like to watch but when going actually on the page, the movie isn't there and its something else, so it can be seen that some people would just 'clickbait' a page for making money.  In my opinion, I think that the biggest disadvantage of new an digital media on film is that the audience never know if the link of the internet website is legitimate and trustworthy, mostly not but since official streaming services cost which some people cannot afford, some peoples choices would be then to count on the internet link for the movie they want to watch whether the quality is good or bad.

6) What about audience pleasures - have these changed as a result of new and digital media? 
The audiences pleasures have changed through the results of new and digital media is because audiences enjoy the avaliablity they have through watching the movies online whenever they want and wherever, most of the time within streaming services like Netflix or Amazon Prime audience can watch the most updated but also then a "throwback" movie of their choice (if still available) on the services whenever they want. Both tv series or films, the availability is there for audience. Through the results of new and digital media, in films, they have also now discussed or mentioned the impact of new and digital media in films directly, the audiences pleasure can be increased here because audience could feel somewhat more connected and create identifications because it is what they also use and understand of. The issues or matters discussed which wouldn't normally would have done traditionally but i think now since the times have moved on, people are becoming braver to what content they create, and proving much better entertainment but also informational content to the audience such as the original Netflix series "13 Reasons Why."

7) What is the target audience for your chosen case study? Write a demographic/psychographic profile.
Netflix have said "demographic targeting is irrelevant", they have said their streaming service is for everyone and anyone - "interest is what matters most." Although the shows they create originally i would suggest that they would target more of B,C1,C2,C1,D, and E, the range is quite various and thats purely because what they create can fit for anyone because of the board issues or drama series they produce. For films though, I would feel though as if only C2,C1, D and E would still watch them on Netflix rather than go to the cinema to what i think A and B would do, they wouldn't mind paying money to watch a new film at a cinema. 

• [Mainstreamers - seek security - follow latest trends, "family brands", mostly likely younger audience (teens/young adults)]
• [Explorers - seek discovery - search for new experiences + challenges. TV series on Netflix can increase their views and challenge them?, wanted to try new brands - young people]
• [Reformers - seek enlightenment - make independent judgements, accepts complexity - TV series on Netflix originals can increase that, new content on recent issues. Adults, young adults and also teens possibly] 
• [Strugglers - seek escape - brand choice reflects impact and sensation - all audiences mostly likely, escape in to other characters and their own reality] 

Institution

1) How has new and digital media had an impact on ownership or control in your chosen industry?
Netflix has an effect by new and digital media because it increased the chances of Netflix being allowed to be more accessible for their audiences. Netflix is available across a range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and internet enabled television. This is an example of technological convergence, where two or more technologies combine in one new device/ platform/ application. For Netflix, technological convergence offers greater audience pleasures through increased accessibility and user convenience. Netflix has able to gain control because now they are able to create and have the budget to create their own original content, With House of Cards, Netflix was not only able to establish itself as the leading on-demand television network, but also as a legitimate entertainment brand. Traditionally, original drama has been produced and distributed through television networks and institutions, and is a mainstay of television institutions. 

2) What impact has new and digital media had on ownership in your chosen case study?
Netflix has been given opportunities to create their own content, which Netflix has then created their own ownerships but also put up movies of audiences all time favourites but also new releases of new movies that have came out. Netflix is more of a distributor for those movies that are up. Netflix was not only able to establish itself as the leading on-demand television network, but also as a legitimate entertainment brand.

3) How has new and digital media changed the way institutions produce texts?
Netflix now also produce their own texts, many that fit the younger audience but mostly they produce content that fits their large demographic group of audiences. 

4) How has new and digital media changed the way institutions distribute their product?
Netflix is available across a range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and internet enabled television. This is an example of technological convergence, where two or more technologies combine in one new device/ platform/ application. Netflix have established a new and secure model for on-demand internet streaming of television products. Netflix have made it known that they are keen to develop their own content rather than bulk-buying in existing content; current contracts with Nickelodeon and MTV do not look as if they will be renewed.

5) How might new and digital media threaten your chosen industry?
I don't think new an digital media has threatened Netflix but new and digital media has provided the service to grow for the better and increased their opportunities they've received. A lot more audiences are using this service since it is cheap, reliant and accessible. Competitors of Netflix may be a threat but they can never be a damage to Netflix because of how it is growing and what they are creating is still in the interest of the vast majority of the audiences. They are producing tv series that will grasp that audiences attention and make them interested. Netflix understands there audiences, they know how to grow for the better through new and gorilla media. 

6) How has new and digital media changed the way your chosen industry is regulated? 
I don't think new and digital media has changed the way Netflix is regulated because once the users have signed up to Netflix, all of the content is provided by Netflix without giving warnings or asking the viewer the age rating permission. Netflix put the trust in the viewer and makes them in charge of what they watch on Netflix - appropriate or not, it's up to the viewer. 

UGC

1) What examples of user-generated content can you find in your case study?
Netflix haven't really got any examples of user generated content because they are a streaming service, they only upload the latest movies/tv series or of their own original content but viewers are not much involved in the making or with any content that Netflix streams on its service. 

2) How has UGC changed things for audiences or institutions in your chosen case study?
- 

Marxism, Pluralism and Hegemony

1) What would be a Marxist perspective of the impact of new and digital media on your chosen case study?
A Marxists view on Netflix would be that the elite are providing the audiences the information or entertainment they see fit to the audience or demonstrates the "reality of society" when creating their own original content. They would suggest that audience wouldn't know if it would be entertainment worth watching or actually information they should take in.

2) How would a pluralist view the impact of new and digital media in your chosen industry?
A pluralists view of Netflix would say that the content that Netflix is creating can be seen as proving informational content to the audience that is actually important to address issues like what 13 Reasons Why has done. By putting on various of different films on different categories, Netflix is its own and not controlled. Audiences are in more controlled to what they chose to watch because of the fact that Netflix allows users to create their own profile that fits what they want to watch, even Netflix would recommend to the viewers to what they may enjoy because of what they have watched. 

3) Are there any examples of hegemony in your chosen industry or case study?
I don't think there are much examples of hegemony on Netflix. When it comes down to Netflix creating their own original content they either address issues that should be addressed, or they represent the current society, being modern and not narrow minded. Netflix's content is there for the audiences to pick up on and for audiences entertainment, its not demanding or dominating their particular views or state groups over others. 


Globalisation

1) How has globalisation impacted on your chosen industry or case study?
Globalisation has impacted on Netflix, this American based company that is  providing on-demand internet streaming media in the north and south America, Scandinavia, the Caribbean, UK & Ireland. Just like LoveFilm in the UK, in the USA they also provide a DVD-by-mail service. Netflix wasn't launched in the UK as a service until 2012. However, the brands awareness grew in their success in streaming original programming and support of independent film distribution. “the world’s leading internet television network” (that's how the institution describes themselves.) Netflix is accessible globally more or less and they are trying to be global within their accessibility. 

2) In your opinion, has globalisation had a positive or negative impact on your chosen industry and case study? Why?
Globalisation has had an positive impact on Netflix but overall in films too because it is allowed audiences to access films much easily, audiences are more opened to what they watch and consume, they are more active, films are providing that. The fact that this is a global impact, its much more positive because it shows how powerful the recent developments in the media but also the technology has been in. It can also be been as this has given audience much more power because of the accessibility but the fact that how things can be accessible through such a large audiences in different countries.
 
3) Can you find examples of cultural imperialism in your case study or industry? (The 'Americanisation' of the world)
Netflix is an American based company, there content is created in America and the values are showed crossed to the audiences. Majority of the movies also that are put on Netflix are Americanised because simply because of locations, the characters but most important American values are portrayed. 

Social media

1) How has your industry or case study used social media to promote its products?
Netflix promotes its original content by proving audiences previews or trailers of the show on their social media pages to create awareness about the show. Also Netflix also gets the cast members to also promote it to their followers online and get the word across of the new show. Most of the time through having people speak, promotes it and having actors/actress promote it themselves helps increase the promotion too. Netflix's twitter account also promotes a lot of their products, this can be simply tweeting about the latest episode of the series or sharing and re-tweeting what other audiences are saying. 

2) Provide examples of how your case study has used social media and explain the impact this would have on audiences.

The examples of posts that i have posted of Netflix promoting its own series would impact audience in much positive way but also increase further awareness about the show itself. As shown Netflix itself on its Instagram page have so many followers as well as on its twitter page. The fact that The Crown has its own twitter page shows that they have a big fan base who are interested in the show, promoting and posting things about the show to the audience would keep them connected with the show but also it will most importantly increase awareness about the shows. Furthermore for the case study that I have chosen when promoting the shows, Netflix does use synergy to represent the shows, this is definitely through broadcasting the two main protagonists, or using the same front cover for all platforms, audiences can then therefore create identification with the brand but also the shows despite whatever platform they are in on social media. 

3) Is social media an opportunity or a threat to your industry and case study?
Social media is an opportunity to both my chosen industry and case study because not only it is free promotion and can awareness about the show much easily to a wide range of people quickly but also because it allows discussions to be opened, people talking about it themselves. Netflix isn't in a threat when they promote their own shows on social media because even through promoting the trailer of the shows for example, not other streaming service would be able to copy or use that on theirs, what makes Netflix different than other streaming service and prevents being a threat on social media is because of their original content that they are proving to such a large audience anyway. 


Statistics

1) What statistics can you find to illustrate the impact new and digital media has had on your industry or case study? For example, in news, the UK newspaper industry sold more than 12m copies a day in 2001 but in 2014 it was below 7m.

2) Looking at these statistics, what impact has new/digital media had on institutions in your chosen industry? 
New and digital media has impacted on Netflix in much of a positive way rather than negatively, this is because from looking at just the graph above, it shows the consumption globally that Netflix have gained through the recent years and it is contributed from new and digital media. This can be simply due to the accessibility that viewers can have through the internet to go on Netflix if not downloaded through Apps on devices or other platforms that now Netflix is available on. Netflix have gained so many subscribers throughout the years which is only a positive for them and can help them bring a larger revenue too.

3) What has the impact been for audiences? These may be positive and negative.
The impact on audiences have also been positive because they have consumed a lot of content on Netflix, from the sighers above, it shows that clearly the audience enjoy the content that is on Netflix right now because 100 million of audience audience are watching Netflix per hour and these statistics were updated at 2015. The negatives to this is that audience would be depending on the service very much, if there is a problem in the service, users would be disappointed as they wouldn't be able to access Netflix nor be able to watch their shows/movies. Audience are able to enjoy Netflix's content at their very most comfort environment on whatever device they want to watch there shows/movies on. 
Theories

1) What media theories can you apply to your chosen industry and case study? Select THREE media theories and explain how they are relevant to your case study. Note: these can be ANY of the theories we have learned over the whole of Year 12 and 13.

- The increased personalisation offers the gratifications of personal identity and social interaction (Blumler & Katz), as users feel that they are able to tailor media schedules to their own tastes, while still participating in a viewing community through the rating and recommendations. The profiles will enable Netflix to gather more detailed information about its subscribers and their viewing habits. This will enable the institution to make more informed choices about films and TV programmes to offer. “The way we’re using that data is to keep [subscribers] happy. And the way to keep [subscribers] happy is to let them watch more stuff,” (Todd Yellin, Netflix).  This will enable the institution to make more informed choices about films and TV programmes to offer. “The way we’re using that data is to keep [subscribers] happy. And the way to keep [subscribers] happy is to let them watch more stuff,”

- Dependency theory (Rokeatch and Defleur) : They had suggested that people rely on the media for information determine their decisions, and this can be used in movies and shows as well. Even though it is for entertainment, audience can make what they watch, fit what need to feel or what they want to get out of it, obviously this an be different for any audiences. But for example, The Crown would send out more of a political message to the audience whilst 13 Reasons Why is more of educational purpose of suicide but it also had other genre in it like romance. Audience can rely and depend on shows/movie to determine their decisions on feelings too such as fear, anxiety and or happiness. 

- Levi-stauss; representation theory: they had suggested that representations in the media are informed by ideology. The set of beliefs and values of the producer of the text and this can be true because the whole point of a text being produced or the case studies that I am looking into both hold powerful message especially for 13 reasons why. The Crown can be seen as a entertainment and the audience can also get an insight to the royalty life but the texts have messages to get across to the audiences that they want to get the audience to know, hence why producers produce texts with a certain ideology. 

Issues/debates

1) What media issues and debates can you apply to your chosen industry and case study? Select THREE media issues/debates and explain how they are relevant to your case study.

- Historical (S(H)EP) - in the past, streaming services weren't available and that can be due to the digital media not being so popular back then and audiences had to get DVD's or go to the cinema to watch the movies they wanted to that had recently released. Now because of the developments in the new and digital media, audiences are now recognising the opportunities online and are making a use of it, but Netflix have been already doing this since the 1997 but didn't get recognised or didn't go big till the 2000's and that was because of the digital media. Netflix now has also providing its audiences the opportunity to watch Netflix on different devices such as phones, tablets, apps on different devices etc. 
- Economical (SH(E)P) - Instead of paying for cinema tickets that cost £8+ for an individual, Netflix offers its audience a free trial for a month, if its the audiences first time on the site but once the month is over, Netflix Netflix when it launched in the UK would have gotten what is now the Standard package – HD and two screens – for £5.99 per month. Since the deals are better with Netflix and cost efficiency, audience are then encouraged to go along with the streaming service. 

- Social ((S)HEP) - Word of mouth is so easy to get audience to do and especially on Netflix, specifically about their original series. Many people have got wider audiences attention on Netflix because the content that they create is new and something that is entertainment to audiences, hence why Netflix is growing because they are producing content that is interesting, new and creative. Everyone then would talk about the shows, create "memes" on social media, creating the interactions between the audiences and the shows is what increases Netflix's opportunities to grow. 

Wider examples and secondary texts

1) What other texts or institutions are also relevant to your case study? What would be good secondary texts or examples to use to support the findings of your independent case study?
 I have chosen 13 reasons why and the crown for my in depend case study with Netflix being the same institution.  But Amazon Prime can be also a institution to talk about because it is Netflix's competitor, though they don't create their own content. Amazon Prime also offers audiences movies, various different categories for there wide range different audiences, they also require audiences to pay £5.99. 

Independent Case Study: Media Magazine/Factsheet + Web research

Factsheet 112: Netflix

[] Exploring Netflix as an institution:

~ Company was established in the 1997 - DVD distribution was established in 1999.

~ An American based company providing on-demand internet streaming media in the north and south America, Scandinavia, the Caribbean, UK & Ireland. Just like LoveFilm in the UK, in the USA they also provide a DVD-by-mail service. 

~ Netflix wasn't launched in the UK as a service until 2012. However, the brands awareness grew in their success in streaming original programming and support of independent film distribution. “the world’s leading internet television network” (that's how the institution describes themselves.)

~ Netflix is available across a range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and internet enabled television. This is an example of technological convergence, where two or more technologies combine in one new device/ platform/ application. For Netflix, technological convergence offers greater audience pleasures through increased accessibility and user convenience.

[] What makes Netflix different? 

 - The streaming market is increasingly competitive, as the technologies used to stream VoD become ubiquitous within society. DVD rental shops have lost their market share, with many going into administration (Blockbusters being a notable recent case). Alongside Netflix, users have various options including LOVEFilm, Amazon Instant Streaming, NOW TV (Sky TV’s offering), as well as the more independent Mubu and Curzon On Demand. Netflix seeks to maintain its popularity with subscribers through increased personalisation.

- Previously, Netflix relied upon the user ratings to enable personalised recommendations for the subscriber. The method used to generate these recommendations did not take into consideration that one login is likely to be used by a wide ranging audience of differing tastes, ages and interests. For example, within a family household one login may be used to stream Disney-animations for the 8 year child, romantic comedies for the teenage daughter, and House of Cards for the parents. This has resulted in various entertaining recommendations.

~ Netflix has just introduced a free profile system, where users can create up to five profiles on one subscription. The intention is to offer greater individual personalisation rather than the household personalisation that the previous system offered. Personalisation is a key element to the success of Netflix, as they need to keep existing users happy as well as attract new use. Netflix’s vice president of product innovation, 75-80% of what users watch on Netflix comes from recommendations, as opposed to searched programmes.

~ the increased personalisation offers the gratifications of personal identity and social interaction (Blumler & Katz), as users feel that they are able to tailor media schedules to their own tastes, while still participating in a viewing community through the rating and recommendations. The profiles will enable Netflix to gather more detailed information about its subscribers and their viewing habits. This will enable the institution to make more informed choices about films and TV programmes to offer. “The way we’re using that data is to keep [subscribers] happy. And the way to keep [subscribers] happy is to let them watch more stuff,” (Todd Yellin, Netflix). 

~ This will enable the institution to make more informed choices about films and TV programmes to offer. “The way we’re using that data is to keep [subscribers] happy. And the way to keep [subscribers] happy is to let them watch more stuff,”

~ Netflix has also lead the way in developing VoD services through their acquisition of original content for distribution. Began from Splatter (2009) which received mixed reviews for Joe Dante’s direction of Corey Feldman in the lead role of Jonny Splatter. From this point Netflix took a 3 year break, coming back with the Norwegian-American comedy-drama series, Lilyhammer, and crime series, The Ropes. The altered approach to content proved popular with audiences, and led to Netflix licensing the rights to House of Cards in 2012.

[] Original drama, original distribution 

~ With House of Cards, Netflix was not only able to establish itself as the leading on-demand television network, but also as a legitimate entertainment brand. Traditionally, original drama has been produced and distributed through television networks and institutions, and is a mainstay of television institutions. 

 ~ The 50th anniversary episode of Dr Who, The Day of the Doctor (screened 23 November 2013, BBC1) was watched by over 10 million, and was the focal point of the scheduling for the week across a range of BBC platforms. The original programming here is a key driving force in the BBC’s success. This is also evidenced in other mainstream institutions: ITV’s Downton Abbey and Channel 4’s Top Boy are two examples. So, with House of Cards, we see Netflix following the traditional production model but in an emedia context.

~ House of Cards, whose entire first season of 13 episodes, premiered on 1 February 2013, is a political episodic drama starring Kevin Spacey, with David Fincher (The Social Network, 2010) directing. The credentials of this partnership enabled Netflix to establish their brand as a leading on-demand television network. The series was exclusively available on Netflix, encouraging audiences to subscribe. he move away from the traditional model of on-demand streaming, and the episodic nature of the programme established audience loyalty that was more predictable than previously experienced. Netflix purchased the rights initially to 26 full episodes prior to production commencing, and the deal was rumoured to be $100 million.

~ This is not alien to traditional institutions when producing TV dramas – ITV1’s Downton Abbey cost £1m per episode, a cost which was recouped through advertising revenues. However, it is important to note the distinct difference in the distribution model of Netflix, as opposed to other institutions that utilise on-demand streaming.

~ One reason for Netflix’s popularity is the concept of access; in previous on-demand models, audiences could only access a limited amount of material for a limited amount of time: iPlayer will have some programmes available for 7 days, some longer, but a series will not be available in completion before it is broadcast on TV. This is due to the constraints of the multi-platform model – you cannot maintain the episodic nature of a TV series on broadcast if you are premiering all episodes online at once. However, Netflix do not have the constraint of multi-platforms, so have the freedom to exploit the immediacy of emedia: for perhaps the first time, Netflix was offering audiences the kind of viewing pleasures that they would only normally get from purchasing the DVD box set, and then watching it in its entirety.

~ Waiting for the DVD box sets in order to get similar access would mean that audiences would have to avoid a series (and the spoilers) across all platforms; this is almost impossible in our contemporary media landscape. 

~ Following the success of House of Cards, Netflix have developed and replicated the model; Hemlock Grove is a horror thriller which premiered 19 April 2013, with all 13 episodes being immediately available to watch online. The genre of horror thriller engages the audiences’ desire to resolve the enigmas, so they are likely to watch 2 or 3 episodes at once. Audience again show an increase of loyalty to the brand. 

[] Future of Television?

Netflix have established a new and secure model for on-demand internet streaming of television products. Netflix have made it known that they are keen to develop their own content rather than bulk-buying in existing content; current contracts with Nickelodeon and MTV do not look as if they will be renewed. The bulk of British television on-demand is focused on catch-up, although there have been some forays into online exclusive premieres – namely Bad Education and Some Girls, both BBC3 – and the comedy Impractical Jokers was commissioned by BBC3 following an online pilot. In this way, it may seem as if on-demand streaming may offer an extension to the viewing experience, as opposed to its immediate death. 

______________________________________________________________________________

Media Magazine _

MM31:

Pg58:

-          TV series had already complicated the idea of hero because so many of the villains looked like the heroes, and we knew that some members of the heroic group were villains in disguise

-           TV drama still throws out its conventional heroes, and in many procedural dramas the main character (however flawed) acts heroically and ‘saves the day’ whilst taking a moral stand that all can admire

Pg66:

-          All television programmes offer their viewers the opportunities to experience Blumler and Katz’s Use and Gratification of personal identification.

-          Where it differs from other shows is the breadth of opportunities it offers its viewers to identify with its cast. Most shows feature one or two rounded characters that fit into conventional stereotypes to appeal to a mainstream audience

-          Most of the cast in any tv drama  are supposed to be in their early to mid-twenties also offers the generic codes of slasher films, which could potentially help to extend the show’s appeal to a teenage audience who characteristically enjoy this kind of movie’s emphasis on creative butchery and slaughter. Therefore, from a producer’s point of view this kind of programme (horror) should attract a wide range of potential audiences, including those that fit into sub-cultural and mainstream social demographics

MM35:

-          TV shows, then we are limiting ourselves to the mainstream. These texts are invariably commercial in nature. Their prime function is to make money for their producers by reaching and pleasing the largest possible audiences; and this, inevitably, means that many viewpoints are marginalised, or not even heard. Far from being democratic, commercial texts tend to reproduce only the dominant, most bourgeois worldview.

MM50:

-          Although Lionsgate has four divisions, which include both the television and music industries, and even though it produces television programmes, such as Orange is the New Black for Netflix, and part-owns nine cable television channels, some of which do play the company’s films and television programmes, it is nevertheless a small company. In terms of size it cannot compare with established Hollywood.

____ Web Research ____

[Institution research - Netflix] 

http://www.cnbc.com/2017/04/13/netflix-earnings-preview-q1-2017.html - Lower subscriber growth could hurt Netflix's first quarter earnings, analysts warn; 

- Netflix will report its first quarter earnings after the closing bell on Monday. It is expected to have $2.64 billion in revenue, marking about 35 percent year-over-year increase.  Earnings per share is estimated at $0.38.

- The company is expected to announce it added 5.3 million subscribers during the first quarter, marking a slowdown from 7.1 million last quarter and 6.7 million the year prior. Growth is expected mostly from international viewers, while the U.S. market cools as it reaches subscriber saturation.

-  There is hope the second quarter will get a higher subscriber boost. Shows like "13 Reasons Why" released during the first quarter have been topping social media mentions, and fan favorites "House of Cards" and "Orange is the new Black" are returning. Most of the new series that are coming out are catching the younger audiences. 

- Netflix will also have to face more competitors in the over-the-top (OTT) TV space, or TV service that is not reliant on cable or satellite services. Google is launching its YouTube TV service this year, and Hulu will also have an OTT service out this year. Dish Network and AT&T, through DirecTV, are also bolstering their offerings. Meanwhile, Amazonhas also increased its original content.

- Increasing premium programming also means that Netflix will have to spend more on content. Wedbush analyst Michael Pachter said the company is expected to spend $7 billion in content in 2017, up from $6 billion in 2016.

http://www.investors.com/news/technology/netflix-q1-subscriber-tally-seen-on-cusp-of-100-million/ -  Netflix Is This Close To Reaching 100 Million Subscriber Mark;

- Netflix (NFLX) could be on the cusp of 100 million worldwide subscribers when it reports first-quarter earnings after the market close on Monday, analysts say.

-  If the streamer tops expectations for subscriber growth, it could reach the milestone. This could be done due to the shows that are just being released especially the series "13 reasons why."

- Netflix added just over 7 million new streaming video customers after guiding to 5.2 million in the fourth quarter. Netflix ended 2016 with 93.8 million subscribers worldwide, with 49.43 million of them in the U.S.

- Experts and analysts such as Heath Terry have said that internatioal markets such as France, Germany are maturing. Millions of international subscribers are adding on to the Netflix subscribers now. 

https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/04/13/millennials-love-netflix-but-will-they-pay-for-it.aspx -  Milennials love Netflix, but will they pay for it?

-  Netflix, Inc. have reported having subscribers in nearly 51 million households in the U.S., or approximately 43% of U.S. homes. But domestic growth appeared to be slowing in 2016, which led some analysts to speculate that the market for U.S. customers might be nearing saturation. But recent data suggests that there may be a group of untapped subscribers waiting in to subscribe to the streaming service. 

- Of the 6,567 millennials surveyed, 54% reported using the Netflix account of a friend or family member, and 5% reported using the account of a current or former significant other. Another 34% said they had their own Netflix account, and 8% indicated that they did not have Netflix at all. 

http://www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/news/2017/04/13/netlix-eyes-california-as-home-base-for-more-shows.html - Netflix eyes California as home base for more shows, could bank big merchandising bucks.

- Netflix is potentially sitting on a billion dollars in merchandise-based revenue, according to analysts they are hoping that the company moves back the production back to California. 

- Mark Machinery Los Gatos-based streaming service has a standalone billion-dollar revenue opportunity as it revs up merchandise sales based on its popular original series. While full realization of this revenue stream is far in the future, Mahaney cited the recent brisk sales of “Stranger Things” merchandise at retailer Hot Topic.

[TV Series research on Netflix]

http://uk.businessinsider.com/netflix-original-shows-vs-hbo-vs-amazon-2017-4?r=US&IR=T - Netflix's originals keep getting better and better;

- Netflix keeps on getting better in what they produce for their audience but also their investment are just as big. Netflix is set to spend $6 billion on content in 2017, more than rival Amazon,which JPMorgan estimates will spend $4.5 billion, and many times HBO.

- Netflix's CFO said last year that the company is moving toward a 50/50 mix of original and licensed content.

-  33% of respondents to Morgan Stanley’s survey said Netflix had the best original programming of any streaming service or premium TV network. Not just good: “the best.” That’s up from 17% in 2014.

- Netflix snagged its first Golden Globe in a major show category when "The Crown" won best drama series. ("Stranger Things" was nominated in the same category.) Netflix is also rolling out new show formats at a rapid clip, from its game-show debut "Ultimate Beastmaster," to locally-produced shows from regions around the world.

-  Netflix's quality keeps going up and up, even in a "peak TV" world of 455 scripted TV shows in 2016. 

https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2017/apr/11/the-crown-royally-sweeps-the-2017-bafta-tv-awards-nominations - The Crown royally sweeps the 2017 Bafta TV awards nominations.

- Netflix’s ambitious and opulent original drama about a young Queen Elizabeth II, has swept this year’s Bafta TV nominations.  As well as being among the best drama series nominees, the series picked up a best female performance nod for Claire Foy for her role as Elizabeth, as well as supporting actor nominations for Jared Harris and John Lithgow and supporting actress for Vanessa Kirby.

- The series’ five nominations are further affirmation that the £100m Netflix invested in making The Crown was worth the risk, and is a further indicator that streaming platforms are the places pushing the envelope when it comes to creating original drama. 

http://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/789664/The-Crown-season-3-Camilla-Parker-Bowles-Prince Charles-Netflix-Princess-Diana - The Crown season 3: Camilla Parker Bowles CONFIRMED to make appearance

-  CAMILLA, the Duchess of Cornwall is set to be appearing in season three of Netflix drama The Crown, it has been revealed.

- Producer Suzanne Mackie confirmed the news today at the BFI & Radio Times Festival in London today (April 9th 2017) during a Q&A on the hit show. Suzanne also said that The Crown creator Peter Morgan had plans make five more seasons of the series and write all of them himself as well.

- "Peter is already talking about the most wonderful things. We start meeting Camilla Parker Bowles in season three."

- The producer continued: "We have to be honest, season three and four are being mapped out and the closer the history comes – I now can say, ‘God, I know exactly what I was feeling when that happened, I remember that and I remember this.’ That’s so exciting. “But there’s a responsibility to it that you ought to do it properly and there’s where the weight comes, not from seven years but we’ve got to keep being great."

http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/91537383/13-reasons-why-prompts-warnings-and-new-classification-request - 13 Reasons Why prompts warnings and new classification request;

- 13 Reasons Why, a 13-part show about a teenage girl who commits suicide, was released in New Zealand on March 31 and has been given an adult rating by Netflix. In addition to suicide the series includes rape, drug use and bullying. A graphic content warning precedes four of episodes.

- The chief censor, Dr Andrew Jack, has requested a classification after being alerted to the series "strong" content by a member of the public, Office of Film and Literature Classification senior advisor Henry Talbot said. 

"Being that it is likely to be of interest to a younger audience it is particularly important that Netflix viewers are given trusted information about the content and the potential harm to young people."

- Classification would take two weeks and involve consultation with some teenagers and consideration of the Ministry of Health's guidelines for media portrayals of suicide. Netflix would have an opportunity to make a submission.

http://www.refinery29.com/2017/04/149969/katherine-langford-selena-gomez-13-reasons-why -  Selena Gomez Convinced This 13 Reasons Why Star To Go Public On Instagram. 

- The 13 Reasons Why star, who portrays the late Hannah Baker on Netflix's new drama, admitted that it was the "Heart Wants What It Wants" (Selena Gomez) singer who convinced her to open up her Instagram account to the masses.

-  Hollywood newcomer Langford admitted that she wasn't too keen on sharing her life via social media. Unlike celebrities like Kylie Jenner, whose additions to their social platforms routinely make headlines and are an integral part of their brand, the actress wanted to keep her job about "the work" — not her OOTD. Selena Gomez then reminded the Netflix star just how much good connecting with fans can do — especially considering the deeply relatable subject matter of her high school drama. 

- Anything that is created for the tv screens and for a large audience, social media is always a platform where the audience will want to know about more of the actors/actress or even about the store. Social media is a big platform where communications but also searching and looking for people we want to see/hear more from. 

http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/news/a825957/13-reasons-why-breaks-netflix-record-most-tweeted-about-show/  - 13 Reasons Why has broken the record for Netflix's most-tweeted-about show

- The hard-hitting teen drama has become the streaming service's most-tweeted-about show, having logged more tweets about it than any other series during its first week of streaming. There were OVER 3.5 MILLION TWEETS posted between the shows premiere date of March 31st and April 7th. 

-  3,585,110 tweets about the show, which almost doubles the record of Netflix's second most-tweeted-about show Chasing Cameron, which amassed 1,326,010 tweets during the same period.

- Fizziology was also confirmed by Twitter, who said 13 Reasons Why generated more than 3.2 million tweets during its first week, making it the most-tweeted-about streaming TV series of the year so far, according to the social media firm.

- The hits or likes about Orange is the New Black or Stranger Things didn't even come close to what 13 Reasons Why has. 

- The show did get criticism to having the death scene of Hannah's was very graphic and in detail - the producers had said; "We worked very hard not to be gratuitous," said show creator Brian Yorkey. "But we did want it to be painful to watch, because we wanted it to be very clear that there is nothing, in any way, worthwhile about suicide."

http://junkee.com/13-reasons-why-netflix-teen-suicide/101855 - Does ’13 Reasons Why’ Do More Harm Than Good On Teen Suicide?

- The story oscillates between the narrative Hannah weaves, and the impact her death has had on her school community, including ensuing legal action by Hannah’s parents against the school. Not only does Hannah record the tapes about the events that led up to her suicide, she also makes arrangements to have the tapes delivered to each person implicated in the story. She lets everyone know the impacts and the effect it has on her and what the people had done. The story is powerful and deep. 

- Is this unrealistic in terms of leaving tapes behind and exaggerating? Is this pressuring those who are struggling to see this as something that is an option? The scene is sickening and overly salacious, and carries with it all the worst risks of bad representation. It also undermines the story

-  If it makes viewers embrace compassion, all the better. But this representation of suicide is a dangerous one. It might be too salacious for its — and our — own good.