ShoutlinA comprehensive introduction to the study of media audiencesMain DescriptionAn engaging and original study of current research on television audiences and the concept of emotion, this book offers a unique approach to key issues within television studies. Topics discussed include: television branding; emotional qualities in television texts; audience reception models; new research on fan cultures; 'quality' television; television aesthetics; reality television; individualism and its links to television consumption. The book is divided into two sections: the first covers theoretical work on the audience, fan cultures, global television, theorising emotion and affect in feminist theory and film and television studies. The second half offers a series of case studies on television programmes such as Wife Swap, The Sopranos and Six Feet Under in order to explore how emotion is fashioned, constructed and valued in televisual texts. The final chapter features original interview material with industry professionals in the UK and Irish Soap industry along with advice to students on how to conduct their own small-scale ethnographic projects. Key Features:*An accessible guide to theoretical work on emotion and affect, this book is key reading for advanced undergraduates and postgraduates doing media studies, communication and cultural studies and television studies.*Case studies on emotion and television in British and US media contexts demonstrate new research and provide a starting point for readers undertaking their own research.*Each chapter includes exercises, points for discussion and lists for further readingSelling Points *Thornham / Women Feminism and Media has sold 508 since May 2007, Alia / Media Ethics and Social Change has sold has sold 877 since April 2004, Chakravartty & Sarikakis / Media Policy and Globalisation has sold 840 since June 2006*Designed to be used as a primary text on courses within media and communication studies.