Assignment 1 Part 1

English 2 (ESP 0205) Compare/Contrast Essay

Jocelyn Tan Wan Wei (0310050)

Brian (2009) explained that a talk show is a television or radio program where a group of people come together to talk about various topics put forth by a talk show host. A convention, which is used in television, is the panel of guests, usually consisting of a group of people who are professional or have great experience in relation to whatever issue is being discussed on the show for that episode. Like the soap opera, the talk show is an development of twentieth century broadcasting. It takes a very old form of communication, conversation, and transforms it into a low cost but highly popular form of information and entertainment through the institutions, practices and technologies of television. According to Rall (1996), tabloid talk shows are a genre of American television programming talk shows that featured stories about infidelity, questionable paternity, sibling rivalry, murder, mayhem and the occasional Satanic cult. Tabloid talk shows have sometimes been described as the "freak shows" of the late 20th century since most of their guests were outside the mainstream. The host invites a group of guests to discuss an emotional or provocative topic ranging from marital infidelity to more outlandish topics and the guests are encouraged to make public confessions and resolve their problems with on-camera "group therapy". Gamson (2010) explained that tabloid talk shows are sometimes described using the term "Trash TV", particularly when producers appear to purposely design their shows to create controversy or confrontation.

In the world of entertainment, as a teenager in a present day society the media helps form the reality of the scene expressed by teens today. Talk shows that are watched by me frequently have persuaded me in making many of my judgments and dissuasions. As I lay back with my remote control browsing through the channels, I come across at least six-seven Talk Shows within an hour. And anyone who watches talk shows on a regular basis knows that each one varies in style and format. One might enjoy watching the sometimes trashy subject matter found

on Jenny Jones show, while someone else might prefer the more serious and light hearted feel of the Maury Povich show. But no two shows are more profoundly opposite in content, while at the same time standing out above the rest, than the two television tabloid talk shows, which are the Todays Teen show and the Oprah Winfrey show.

According to James (2012), while similar in format to other nationally known television talk shows, Today's Teen: The Talk Show for Teens" stands out by the unique topics and content it produces. Designed and created with teens in mind, the show covers subjects and issues that are particular to young adults. The topics that Today's Teen addresses range from entertaining to serious and complicated. The discussions of the show deal directly with the lives of teens. Today's Teen explores the problems, fears, and losses that young adults face, as well as the accomplishments and the contributions that they make. Compare to Todays Teen, the Oprah Winfrey show was highly influential, and many of its topics penetrated into the American popcultural consciousness. The show focuses on the improvement of society and an individuals quality of life. Topics range from teaching your children responsibility, managing your work week, proper etiquette, getting to know your neighbors and entertaining interviews with celebrities. Oprah used the show as a platform to teach and inspire, providing viewers with a positive, spiritually uplifting experience by featuring book clubs, compelling interviews, selfimprovement segments, and philanthropic forays into world events.

James (2011) stated that Todays Teen, is a new and unprecedented television program, it has more of an association with the the young adults of society. These are 13 -20 year-olds whose main troubles in life involve love, relationship, sex, pregnancy, money, peers and influence. They are the ones who see some value and lessons to be learned underneath the show's

exploitation. Research by Dorfman (2001) supports even if Oprah is as squeaky clean as it is, the show is not for everyone. It is one of the longest-running daytime television talk shows in history. The shows main target audiences are working middle-class Americans. A vast majority of these people usually have the time, money, and stability to deal with life's tougher problems.

While these two talk shows are as different as night and day. James (2011) stated Todays Teen, as a late night talk show, for the most part, is not as prominent in other parts of the world. It generally air in time slots considered to be prime time in the United States. It is recorded during the day and afternoon for late night airing. Thus, during taping, references such as this evening and earlier today are made. On the other hand, the Oprah Winfrey show was aired in daytime. It had ruled the talk show circuit for many years and has a strong following from legions of fans. According to Resper (2011), the final episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show aired in the United States on Wednesday, May 25, 2011.

Ironically, each show caters to a different audience and both could also be considered pioneers in the talk show world. Today's Teens crude and vulgar topics may be looked down upon, but no other talk show comes close to the raw exposure of its guest. Oprah Winfrey was able to break away from the pack and create a unique and highly successful talk show. Only time will tell if anyone follow in her footsteps. Even as these to talk shows stand on opposite sides of the spectrum, both have managed to stand alone to their highest extremes and are considered the best at what they are.

(950 words)

References
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