What role does Hills (2004) suggest the fans play in the construction of cult TV? How is new media central to this?
Hills(2004) defines being a fan of cult TV as not only displaying subjective enthusiasm or a special devotion, but also being able to analyse and critically appreciate his/her favoured text. Hills(2004) also explains how fans take part in the construction of cult TV:
1) “Fans organise TV programmes into an ‘intertextual network’ that is not recognisable as an industry-led.”
2) “Fans self-consciously use the term ‘cult’ to describe these networks of texts as distinctive.”
3) “Fans of cult TV have organised themselves socially into ‘Appreciation Societies’.” They are gathered together for conventions so they can share their own ideas and interests about a certain TV show which is their much-loved one.
4) Fans create fan fiction, commentaries, episode guides and production histories by using their vast amount of knowledge about their favourite programme.
5) Fans of cult TV also create a market for memorabilia, commodities and props related to their favourite TV shows.
These days, people are close to new media such as internet, which can make more people to join in the fan communities. If they have any curiosities or need some knowledge about a certain TV programme, it is easy to participate and get much information. Also, it became a lot easier for fans of cult TV to share their ideas, contact each other or engage in some forms of fan activities by using internet.
Reference
Hills, M. (2004). Defining Cult TV; Texts, Inter-texts and Fan Audiences, The Television Studies Reader, in R. C. Allen & A. Hill. London and New York: Routledge.
A fair description. Have you ever watched a 'cult'show? What is your considered opinion of Buffy? Could Reality TV be described as cult?
ReplyDeleteHi, thank you for your comment. Yes, I have watched "cult show" in my life, of course, but it was first time to watch Buffy in our class. I don't know how fans have occupied in the construction of Buffy, but it had been broadcasted about 6 years, and it was so called fan-made film. The popularity of Buffy led fans to use website, create fan fictions in online discussion forums and so on. As fans showed their love for the show, the creator of Buffy might want to hear the voice of fandom to keep make another Buffy story. I don't think the reality TV could be described as cult TV as there is big difference between reality and fiction.
ReplyDeleteYour list of how fans take part in the construction of cult TV is well done and a good choice of referencing, the reference suits your question very well and answers it with satisfaction to readers.
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