May 2013
From an Analytical Survey on Primetime Television Programs
Tadamichi Koga
The directions of TV programs are often discussed as a vague image, but it is rare to see an analysis of directions using specific figures or visualized diagrams. Given this, the author attempted a “quantitative” analysis on information and variety programs, which make up a large portion of prime-time programs, based exclusively on “directing elements” displayed in completed programs that can be objectively “quantified.” The author also tried to clarify the relations between the cast, using new methods such as text mining and network analysis. As a result, certain tendencies of direction to depict amusingness were shown in a form of numerical values. These methods also enabled the visualization of the conversation and interaction among the cast in the studio as well as of “staging a friendly atmosphere” by “creating a circle of friends.” While how to select samples remains as an issue, the attempt of qualitative analysis suggested its limit that it is difficult to deeply evaluate the directing methods of each specific program.