Television and romance: studies, observations and interpretations

Abstract

What effect does television viewing have on the quality of marriage life? This is one of the questions that the authors discuss within this new book, edited by Professor Amir Hetsroni from the Department of English, Culture and Communication at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University and published by Nova Science Publishers. This book includes entries written by leading international scholars that interpret the way romance is portrayed on television, and the mark left by this portrayal on viewers. About half of the chapters in this book present empirical inquires. The other half consists of theoretical and critical accounts. The collection offers in-depth analysis of some of the most successful programs in recent years in America (How I Met Your Mother), Britain (Silent Witness), Spain (Los Protegidos) and other countries along with detailed reviews of the home screen representation of love life within various demographic groups (single white men), age cohorts (elderly) and other sects. The outcome of exposure to popular programming on romantic fidelity, dating plans, cohabitation expectations and other romance-related concepts is thoroughly investigated. This book is an essential addition to any serious library collections in media studies. It can serve as a reference for undergraduate and graduate classes concerned with media effects and TV research. It also makes an interesting read for media personnel who are engaged in TV production and journalists who cover the topic. The editor, Amir Hetsroni, is a professor in the Department of Media and Visual Arts at Koç University in Turkey. He is the author/editor of four books and nearly 100 journal articles and book chapters. He is also a media celebrity in his home country, Israel, where he takes part in reality shows as a consultant and commentator, and takes an active role in anti-censorship campaigns.