TV Bangumi Seisakugaisha no Reality (The Reality of TV Production Companies - Voices from the Inside and the Challenges of the Broadcasting Industry)
How much do we really know about the behind-the-scenes of TV production? This book explores the production process of TV programs through interviews with producers, directors, and other workers in the TV industry. It reveals the unseen efforts and struggles of individuals at production sites while addressing structural and organizational challenges in the broadcasting industry in an increasingly digitized information society.
The Complex Reality of the Production Process
Television programs are an indispensable part of our daily lives, yet many are not produced by the TV stations themselves but by small production companies working under unfavorable conditions such as low salaries and long working hours. This book includes interviews with 20 individuals involved in TV production companies, conducted both online and in person. The interviews highlight the labor environment, discrimination based on gender, the recent remarkable trend of increased outsourcing and temporary staffing in the industry, and the intricate hierarchical power structures within the industry, offering a glimpse into their everyday realities.
The Current State of Broadcasting in the Digital Information Age
The book also explores the current state of the TV industry. It analyzes the changing needs and preferences of viewers, the rise of digital media, and the intense competition for ratings. By examining how these factors impact program production and how the industry responds to them, the book provides insights into the future evolution of television as a medium.
Behind the Glamour of the Broadcasting Industry
While major, well-known broadcasting companies based in Tokyo and Osaka appear glamorous, offering high salaries and attracting young aspirants, there are structural challenges that need to be addressed from a media literacy perspective. Despite the rise of the internet, television remains the most frequently used medium for news. Understanding the allure of television, along with its history, institutional design, and the immense effort and challenges faced by individuals behind the scenes, is crucial. This book offers valuable insights, particularly for younger generations navigating the information society.
(Written by HAYASHI Kaori, Professor, Interfaculty Initiative in Information Studies / 2024)