Федеральное агентство по образованию
Государственное образовательное учреждение
Высшего профессионального образования
НИЖЕГОРОДСКИЙ ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ
ЛИНГВИСТИЧЕСКИЙ УНИВЕРСИТЕТ
ИМ. Н. А. ДОБРОЛЮБОВА
С.И. Жолобов
RADIO AND TELEVISION
РАДИО И ТЕЛЕВИДЕНИЕ
Учебно-методические материалы для студентов II курса отделения английского языка переводческого факультета
Часть II
Нижний Новгород 2004
Печатается по решению редакционно-издательского совета НГЛУ им. Н.А.Добролюбова
УДК 802.0 (075. 88)
Radio and Television = Радио и Tелевидение: Учебно-методические материалы для студентов II курса отделения английского языка переводческого факультета, ЧастьII. – Нижний Новгород: НГЛУ им. Н.А. Добролюбова, 2004 – 46 с.
Настоящие учебно-методические материалы предназначены для развития у студентов лексико-грамматических и коммуникативно-прагматических навыков в использовании иностранного языка в ряде типовых ситуаций общения.
Составитель: С.И. Жолобов, канд.филол.наук, доцент
Рецензенты: Г.В. Ильина, канд.пед.наук, доцент
О.М. Шолкович, канд.пед.наук, доцент
© Издательство ГОУ НГЛУ им. Н.А. Добролюбова, 2004
C O N T E N T S
I N T R O D U C T I O N………………………………………………4
I. R E A D I N G C O M P R E H E N S I O N……………………….5
1. T e x t: “ L i k e s a n d D i s l i k e s ”…………………….5
2. B a c k g r o u n d i n f o r m a t i o n………………………14
3. I d e a s a n d P o i n t s o f V i e w…………………….20
4. T y p e s o f P r o g r a m m e s …………………………...28
II. R O L E P L A Y………………………………………………….42
III. F O L L O W – UP D I S C U S S I O N…………………………45
I N T R O D U C T I O N
This booklet is the second of the three dealing with radio and television. It is concerned with radio and television broadcasting.
This booklet consists of three sections: “Reading Comprehension”, “Role Play” and “Follow-Up Discussion”. The first section is made up of several parts. One of them contains a text (in dialogue form) followed by comprehension and vocabulary exercises. Another comprises texts (in monologue form) about radio and television in different countries. The next part includes texts (in monologue form) treating various aspects and problems of radio and television. The final part provides texts (in dialogue and monologue form) illustrating some types of programmes one can listen to on the radio or watch on television. The purpose of this section as a whole is to teach students relevant vocabulary, to give them extensive vocabulary and comprehension practice, to supply them with some background information, and to introduce them to a variety of practical situations which require the use of the words and phrases studied. It also furnishes students with ideas and points of view as well as sample programmes, so that they will be able to draw on these while talking about radio and television. The second section is devoted to role play activities. Students are offered a number of scenes to act out. These are based on the situations and vocabulary presented in the first section and aim at giving students ample opportunity to acquire and consolidate skills in oral interaction (both verbal and non-verbal). The last section provides subjects for discussion in the area the booklet deals with. It is intended to train students in free creative expression in English with special emphasis on the correct and appropriate use of language.
R E A D I N G C O M P R E H E N S I O N
L i k e s and D i s l i k e s
| Norman: Gary: Norman: Gary: Norman: Gary: Norman: Gary: Norman: Gary: Norman: Gary: Norman: Gary: Norman: Gary: Norman: Gary: Norman: Gary: Norman: Gary: Norman: Gary: Norman: Gary: Norman: Gary: Norman: Gary: | Do you regularly listen to the radio? Yes, I do. But I don’t listen to all programmes indiscriminately. What do you mean? I mean to say that I switch my radio on to listen in to particular broadcasts, but I never turn it on to keep me company, so to speak. I don’t do this either, but my wife does. She always has the radio on in the daytime while she’s busy doing housework. She can’t do without it. She says she would feel lonely otherwise. That’s not a bad idea of using the radio. I wish I could do it, too. Unfortunately, what I do at home isn’t generally manual work. It’s a sort of work that requires a mental effort, and I’ve got used to doing it in silence. What a pity! And what are the programmes you listen in to? When I come home from work, the first thing I do is to switch on the radio at news time. Unlike a lot of other people, I listen not only to the news headlines, but also to the analytical part of the broadcast in which experts are invited to speak on a variety of topical issues. That’s very interesting, of course, but doesn’t it take too much time? I’d say it saves time. If you’ve heard something on the late news, you can, while reading the papers, skip those parts of them which deal with the problems you’re already familiar with, or you can just glance through them. As for me, I haven’t got enough patience to listen to any news broadcast to the end. I prefer learning this sort of news from papers. I trust the printed word more than the spoken one, if I may put it so. Right. But is it the only radio programme that you listen to? Certainly not. I also like listening in to broadcasts which feature music. What kind of music? Classical or pop music? I prefer classical music. I don’t want to say I’m a high-brow, but it’s the sort of music that really appeals to me. And all that rock and pop music just irritates me, though I used to like it, I must admit. Isn’t it better to watch concerts of classical music on TV? I don’t think so. I prefer listening to it without any visual support because you get distracted from the music itself if you also have to see what’s happening on the screen. I see. But rock music is quite different. You must necessarily watch the musicians. It’s very exciting. There’s a lot to see as well as to listen to. You’re quite right there. But you must be a real fan to enjoy such performances. I suppose so too. And what about quiz shows and panel discussions which are often broadcast? Do you make a point of listening in to them? Yes, I certainly do. It’s very interesting and useful to listen to programmes of the sort. You get plenty of information and are entertained at the same time. And if it’s a panel discussion you’ve got a good opportunity to phone in your questions and have them answered by the panellists. Radio is a great thing, of course, but it has its limitations. For example, I’m fond of sport, and I think a sporting event is worth seeing. But radio can’t be of much help here. No commentary, however good it is, can be a satisfactory substitute for actually watching the event. I couldn’t agree more. I even turn down the TV set so as to hear as little of the commentary as possible and concentrate on what’s happening on the pitch, or the water, or the road, as the case may be. And what else do you watch on television? Any variety shows, for example? No, I don’t like shows of this sort at all. Apart from sporting events I like films and plays. And what are your preferences? I always make it a point to watch dramatized versions of well-known books, especially classics. I don’t agree with you there. Personally I have an aversion to such productions. I don’t suppose it’s a very good idea to adapt classical novels or stories for the stage, the cinema, radio or television. Books of this kind are intended to be read. When dramatizing a book, the scenario writer presents his own interpretation of the author’s ideas and very often twists them. But, as a rule, he is inferior to the writer, therefore his ideas can’t compare with the writer’s. And these chiefly shallow ideas are forced on the viewer. That’s what’s really annoying. I’d rather read or re-read the book itself. I’m afraid you’re exaggerating. I wonder why you look down on scriptwriters and directors and think that all of them are people with superficial minds. Far from it. Personally I’m going on the assumption that their ideas are as good as mine, or better. And it’s interesting for me to know other people’s views on the same matter. And what about plays written by classics? Oh, that’s quite different. Plays are designed to be put on. And what do you think of serials? It all depends. If it’s a good serial, I like it. If it’s bad, I don’t. As far as the idea itself is concerned, I believe the purpose of a serial producer is to attract as many viewers as possible for as long a time as possible. |
Vocabulary Notes
1. to skip — (v.t.) (v.i.) - to make omissions, to go from one part (of a book, etc.) to another without reading, paying attention, etc.
He skipped (over) the dull parts of the book.
Do you read without skipping?
2. to deal with — (v.t.) — to be about; to treat (a subject)
to be concerned with
to treat of (formal) (v.t.)
Tom’s latest book deals with police methods.
The magazine is concerned with motorcycles.
This article treats of the dangers facing certain groups of wild animals.
3. to be familiar with — to have a good knowledge of
He was (very) familiar with the problem.
4. to glance through/ over — (v.t.) — to read (sth.) quickly or carelessly.
to flick through
to flip through (informal)
I’ve only had time to glance through/over your work, but I can already see how much it has improved.
5. to put — (v.t.) — to give expression to; say
She is — how shall I put it? — not exactly fat, but rather well-built.
How would you put this in French?
That can all be put in a few words.
6. highbrow — (n.) (adj.) — (sometimes derogatory) — (typical of) a person thought to show more than average knowledge of art and intellectual interests.
lowbrow — (n.) (adj.) — (usually derogatory) — (typical of) a person who has no interest in literature, the arts, etc.
7. to appeal to — (v.i.) — to attract; seem good to (sb.)
Bright colours appeal to small children.
8. to make a point of doing sth. - to regard or treat sth. as important.
To make it a point to do sth.
I have always made a point of visiting my mother on her birthday.
9. classic — (n.) — a piece of literature or art, a writer, or an artist of the first rank and of lasting importance.
Shakespeare is a classic.
“Vanity Fair” is a classic.
10. to have a liking for — to be fond of
to develop a liking for
to take a liking to
to be to one’s liking.
She had / developed a liking for sweets.
She took a liking to him at once.
Is everything to your liking?
11. to have / show a dislike for / of — to have a feeling of disliking
to have an aversion to — to have a strong dislike for
to take a dislike / an aversion to — to begin to dislike
He had / showed a dislike of / for cats.
She took a dislike / an aversion to him at once.
12. to prefer — (v.t.) — to choose (one thing or action) rather than another; like better
to have / show a preference for
in preference to
preferable
I prefer tea (to coffee).
He prefers walking (to cycling).
I’d prefer to write letters rather than dictate them.
you not to go.
I should prefer
that you did not go there alone.
She had / showed a decided preference for classical music.
I’d choose the small car in reference to the larger one.
this.
Anything is preferable to
staying with them.
It is preferable to remain silent.
It is preferable that she go alone.
Walking is preferable to riding.
It is preferable to walk rather than to ride.
13. to design — (v.t.) — to develop for a certain purpose or use or sb.
to intend (v.t.).
The book is designed / intended for use in colleges. This
dictionary is designed / intended for foreign students. This weekend party was designed/intended to bring the two musicians together.
14. to look down on — (v.t.) — to have a poor opinion of (sb.), esp. as being below one’s social level;
disapprove of (sb. or sth.).
She wouldn’t let her daughter marry a boy from a poor family as she looked down on him and thought he was not worthy of her daughter.
The school looks down on such behaviour.
At first, Mary’s parents looked down on her marrying Jim.
15. to go on an assumption – to assume
to proceed on an assumption
We proceeded / were going on the assupmtion that he would help.
16. attitude towards / to — a way of feeling, thinking, or behaving.
to assume / take (up) an attitude
He assumed/took up an attitude of defiance towards/to all authority.
She had an unfriendly attitude.
What is your attitude towards / to this question?
17. That (all) depends. — The result depends on sth. else.
It all depends. — I have certain doubts about that / it.
to depend — (v.i.) — to vary according to; be influenced or decided by (sth.).
Whether the game will be played or not depends on the weather.
The success of the sports day depends (on) whether it rains or not.
It all depends (on) how you tackle the problem.
18. to tackle (v.t.) — to treat; take action about (sth. or sb., usu. troublesome).
to deal with (v.t.).
Head office deals with all complaints.
How do you deal with noisy children?
I don’t know how to deal with / tackle this problem.
19. As / So far as sth. is concerned… — used to focus one’s attention on sth.
As / So far as marketing is concerned, I think the best thing is to have a meeting with the Sales Manager and the advertising people.
As / So far as I am / he is concerned… — in my / his opinion.
Where sth. is concerned… — in matters where it is necessary to think of sth.
Where work is concerned, I always try to do my best.
Where the children are concerned…
20. to compare — (1) (v.t.) — to examine, judge to what extent persons or things are similar or different.
to compare sth. / sb. (with / to / and sth. / sb.).
He compared their translations.
He compared his translation with / and the model translation on the blackboard.
London is large compared with / to Paris.
(2) (v.t.) — to point out the likeness or relation between.
to compare sth. / sb. to sth. / sb.
Poets have compared sleep to death.
The writer of the poem compares his lover to a rose.
(=says she is like a rose).
(3) (v.i.) — to be regarded as being like or equal to (sth. or sb.).
to compare with / to sth. / sb.
He cannot compare with Shakespeare as a writer of tragedies (= is not nearly so great).
Social life in a village cannot compare with / to that of a large city.
Living in a town cannot compare with / to living in the country.
Comprehension Practice
Exercise 1. Comment on the statements based on the conversation you have just read. While doing the task, you should, first, say which of the statements are true, which are partly true and which are false, and then elaborate on them.
1. Gary has his radio on all the time.
2. Gary does not like the idea of listening to the radio all the time he is at home.
3. Gary is fond of listening to the news on the radio.
4. Gary reads the papers from cover to cover.
5. Norman is keen on news broadcasts.
6. Gary listens in to all kinds of programmes.
7. Gary prefers pop music.
8. Gary has never liked rock and pop music.
9. Gary prefers watching concerts of classical music on television.
10. According to Gary it is preferable to listen to music on the radio.
11. Gary is not fond of quiz shows and panel discussions.
12. According to Norman radio has no limitations.
13. Gary usually watches few programmes on television.
14. Gary likes dramatized versions of well-known books.
15. Norman also likes dramatized versions of famous books.
16. Norman is not keen on watching plays on television.
Exercise 2. Answer the following questions about the conversation.
1. What are Gary’s radio listening habits?
2. How does Norman’s wife listen to the radio?
3. Why can’t Gary stick to the same practice of listening to the radio?
4. What are the programmes that Gary listens in to?
5. Do Gary and Norman listen to news broadcasts in the same way? What is the difference?
6. Why does Gary think that it is preferable to listen to news broadcasts from beginning to end?
7. What is the kind of music that appeals to Gary?
8. What is peculiar in Gary’s practice of listening to music?
9. Is Gary a highbrow?
10. Is Norman a lowbrow?
11. What are the telecasts that Gary watches?
12. What are the limitations of radio, as the participants in the conversation see them?
13. What do Gary and Norman think of adapting stories and novels by classics for radio or television? Do they agree about it?
14. What is Gary’s attitude towards serials?
Exercise 3. Find the following words and phrases in the dialogue, supply their contexts and paraphrase the sentences in which they are used.
1. to listen in to sth.
2. particular
3. to do without sth.
4. to require sth.
5. to get used to doing sth.
6. a variety of sth.; topical issues
7. to skip (over) sth.
8. to deal with sth.
9. to be familiar with sth.
10. to glance through sth.
11. to feature sth.
12. highbrow
13. to appeal to sth.
14. used to do sth.
15. to make a point of doing sth.
16. limitations
17. classic
18. aversion
19. to adapt sth. for sth.
20. to twist sth.
21. to compare with sth.
22. to look down on sb. / sth.
23. to go on an assumption
24. to be designed
Vocabulary Practice
Exercise1. Fill the gaps in these sentences with words from the list below.
1. They heard the latest news … the radio.
2. Do you … television every day?
3. They … an interesting programme … television yesterday.
4. I’d like to watch the football match. When does it … …?
5. They … an exciting broadcast … the life of animals.
6. Which do you prefer, documentary films or … films?
7. I like … games and discussions immensely.
8. Are they going to … a … commentary … the football match?
9. Television is too … these days.
10. It isn’t wise to … novels … television and radio.
11. I prefer … discussions to … ones.
12. The theatre company is … … this play next month.
13. What is … television tonight?
14. Listen … … this station tomorrow.
15. Was it a … show or a recording?
16. After graduation, he began working … radio / television.
17. The station will be … … … at 9 p.m.
18. I like broadcasts which … sport.
19. Paul detests … versions of classics.
20. Here are some exciting … of news.
come on, putting on, unscripted / scripted, live, feature (n.), in to, panel, items, commercialized, in, watched / on, on, on the air, adapt / for, gave / about, feature (v.), dramatized, on, watch, give / running / on.
Exercise 2. Supply words and expressions which fit the following definitions and make up sentences with them.
1. To listen on purpose to a radio broadcast.
2. A single radio or television presentation.
3. To be broadcasting.
4. A branch of drama that deals with everyday life and humorous events.
5. A cinema film made by photographing a set of drawings.
6. A short performance on the stage (esp. of a variety theatre, or similar entertainment for sound or TV broadcasts), e.g. a song, a dance, juggling feat, display of skill.
7. (Often derogatory) to make sth. a matter of profit.
8. To put a story, novel, etc. into the form of a drama.
9. The written form of a speech, play, or broadcast.
10. A story written for the film.
11. A report on current events in newspaper or other periodical or on radio or television.
12. To introduce and take part in a television or radio show.
13. A play, film, or broadcast.
14. A written or broadcast story appearing in parts at fixed times.
15. A serial drama dealing with domestic problems, etc. in a sentimental or melodramatic way.
16. A person who reads news, or introduces people on radio or television.
17. Someone competing in a contest.
18. A group of speakers who answer questions to inform or amuse the public, usu. in a radio or television show.
19. The chairman in panel games.
20. A person whose job is to introduce the various acts in a stage or television show.
21. A statement of future events, based on some kind of knowledge or judgment.
22. To report the details of an event.
Exercise 3. Translate the following sentences into English.
1. Думаю, что матч будет показан в записи.
2. Он регулярно смотрит телевизор, но лишь изредка слушает радио.
3. Ты смотрел вчера спектакль по телевизору?
4. Этот фильм будет показан по телевизору завтра.
5. Она работает на радио / телевидении.
6. Президент будет выступать по радио в 20.00.
7. Кто комментирует футбольный матч?
8. Мне не нравятся телевизионные эстрадные программы.
9. Меня всегда раздражает радио- и телереклама.
10. Кабельное и спутниковое телевидение появилось относительно недавно.
11. Тебе нравится этот сценарий? Кто его автор?
12. Инсценировка / Экранизация романов представляет большие трудности.
13. Фильм снят по одноименному роману Л.Н. Толстого.
14. Фильм снят по мотивам произведений М.А. Шолохова.
15. «Новости» - самая интересная программа.
16. Пьеса будет поставлена в следующем году.
17. Продюсер и режиссер фильма хорошо известны во всем мире.
18. Кто ведущий этой программы?
19. Кто будет ведущим телевикторины?
20. Время передач указывается в программе радио- и телевидения.
21. Он недоволен освещением на телевидении предвыборной компании.
22. В этом фильме главную роль исполняет знаменитый актер.
23. Сегодня в театре – «Гамлет».
Exercise 4. Act as interpreter.
| Mr.X Mr.Y Mr.X Mr.Y Mr.X Mr.Y Mr.X Mr.Y Mr.X Mr.Y | What can you say about television in your country? Я думаю, что телевидение в нашей стране на подъеме. За последние годы на телевидении произошел ряд существенных изменений: появился новый национальный канал телевещания, несколько местных телевизионных станций, много интересных телепередач. How many national channels are there in the country? Всего у нас четыре канала, обеспечивающих вещание на всю страну. Кроме того, как Вы знаете, в большинстве регионов имеются местные телевизионные станции. Are all the national channels financed by the government? Нет. Два канала являются государственными, а два других – коммерческими. Что касается местных телестанций, то они, как правило, финансируются из местных бюджетов. What kinds of programmes are shown on television? Можно выделить несколько типов передач. Во-первых, это новости, всевозможные передачи, посвященные политическим вопросам, и документальные фильмы. Во-вторых, художественное вещание, включающее художественные фильмы, мультфильмы, спектакли, концерты классической музыки. В-третьих, развлекательные программы. Сюда я бы отнес различные викторины, эстрадные концерты, разного рода шоу. В-четвертых, образовательные программы, предназначенные для школьников, студентов и широкой аудитории. В-пятых, спортивные передачи. Are there many commercials on your television? Да, много. Такой большой объем рекламы диктуется финансовыми соображениями. Хотя она многих раздражает, но, по всей видимости, без рекламы телевидению не выжить. |
B a c k g r o u n d I n f o r m a t i o n
Study the following background information. It will help you in your role play and discussion activities.
Radio and Television in Great Britain
In Britain radio and television broadcasting is mainly provided by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), which has five radio and two television channels.
The BBC operates a national radio network:
Radio 1: youth-oriented pop music;
Radio 2: popular music and entertainment;
Radio 3: classical music, drama, spoken word programmes and world news;
Radio 4: news, current affairs, drama, sport, features;
Radio 5: education, sport and elements from BBC World Service programmes.
The BBC World Service in English broadcasts world news, current affairs analysis, drama, sport, music and arts programmes and programmes for people learning English.
Radio 1,2 and 4 regularly report traffic news and weather forecasts.
There are many local and regional radio stations both BBC and commercial, which feature pop music, local and regional news, weather forecasts and traffic news.
British television is considered excellent by international standards. There are four television channels in Britain: two operated by the BBC and two independent channels.
BBC1 and BBC2 are on the air from early morning to around midnight. Channel 4’s hours are similar. ITV operates for 24 hours a day.
Cable and satellite television stations are also available.
Transmission times and programme details (including radio frequences) are listed in local and national newspapers.
Radio and Television in the USA
There are three commercial TV networks in the U.S. – NBA, CBS, and ABC – that broadcast nationwide through local stations. Commercials may interrupt the shows as often as every ten minutes. There’s also a noncommercial public network – PBC. In addition to these, most towns and cities have cable TV, which costs a few dollars a month. At a hotel you should be able to get five to twenty TV stations and at least fifteen radio stations, each playing a different kind of music. Most radio and TV stations broadcast at least eighteen hours a day.
Most TV stations have local news and weather before national and international news, which is at 6 p.m. except in the Central Time Zone. All national shows are one hour earlier there. “Prime Time” is 8:00 to 11:00 p.m. This is the time when the most people watch TV, so the networks put their best shows on then. Radio stations usually have five minutes of news on the hour, though many cities have all-news stations which broadcast news 24 hours a day.
Answer the questions about radio and television in Great Britain and the United States of America.
1. What corporation operates a national radio network in Great Britain?
2. How many radio channels are there in Britain?
3. What kinds of programmes are broadcast by the BBC World Service?
4. Are there any BBC local and regional radio stations in Britain?
5. How many television channels are there in Britain?
6. Are all the television channels operated by the BBC?
7. What are the hours of each of the television channels?
8. Are there any other television stations in Britain apart from the four nationwide ones?
9. Where can one find transmission times and programme details listed?
10. How many commercial networks are there in the USA?
11. How many noncommercial networks are there in the USA?
12. What kind of television is available in towns and cities in addition to the four national networks?
13. What is the charge for cable television?
14. How many radio and television stations can one get at a hotel?
15. How many hours a day do radio and television stations broadcast on the average?
16. What is the best time for putting on shows?
17. How often is news broadcast?
18. Compare British, American and Russian television.
Нью-Йорк. 36 каналов. Зачем?
В центре Нью-Йорка, на Манхэттене, телевизор можно смотреть по тридцати каналам. Не многовато ли? Нужно ли столько?
Ответ может быть таким же, как и на вопрос, а почему в Нью-Йорке магазины работают круглосуточно. Есть, значит, в этом потребность.
Жаль, не хватит газете места для того, чтобы привести программу нью-йоркских телепередач. Занимает она в специализированном журнале «Ти-ви гайд» несколько страниц очень убористого шрифта. Это на один день, а не на неделю.
Мир вокруг нас необычайно разнообразен и богат – политикой, искусством, спортом, здравоохранением, экономикой, природой, финансами, чем угодно! И задача телевидения, как ее понимают в Америке, - показать нам этот мир, хотя бы во фрагментах. Поверхностно – для общего, так сказать, образования, и глубоко – для тех, у кого к теме особый интерес.
Собственно на этом принципе и построены программы. Включим, к примеру, канал двадцать седьмой телекомпании Си-эн-эн. Круглые сутки, двадцать четыре часа в сутки, - только новости, перемежаемые рекламой, и комментарии к ним. Важнейшие события освещаются «живьем», от начала до конца.
У Си-эн-эн есть как бы младший брат – программа, именуемая «Новости в заголовках». Это тоже передачи новостей, только каждая размером ровно в двадцать три минуты; идут они одна за другой круглосуточно. Что в них? Выжимка важнейших новостей в Америке и в мире. Причем настолько плотная, что за двадцать три минуты можно получить довольно четкое представление о том, что в данный момент творится на планете. Именно в данный момент, а не сутки и даже несколько часов назад. Программа «Новости в заголовках» рассчитана на людей спешащих. Для тех же людей – погодный канал. Ничего, кроме сводок и прогноза погоды. В твоем городе, в городах соседних, в других штатах, в странах, с которыми Америка связана интенсивными деловыми и туристическими контактами. Передача круглосуточная. Учитывая необычайную мобильность американцев, потребность в этом канале высока.
Еще два канала ― для покупок на дому. Тебе демонстрируют товар ― преимущественно ширпотреб, ― называют цену, расхваливают качество и дают телефон, позвонив по которому, можно сделать заказ. Через пару недель товар поступает к тебе домой.
Спортивные передачи. Один канал целиком занят ими. Еще два канала уделяют спорту довольно много времени. Плюс к этому – десяток каналов обычного и кабельного телевидения, которые регулярно транслируют спортивные состязания.
Передачи развлекательные. Я подсчитал, что лишь по трем основным каналам развлекательного телевидения – Эйч-би-оу, «Синемакс» и «Браво» ― в феврале было показано 279 программ. В основном сравнительно новые художественные фильмы. Несколько месяцев назад появился еще один канал, принадлежащий гигантской телекорпорации Теда Тернера, который владеет также Си-эн-эн и «Новостями в заголовках». По этому каналу идут только художественные фильмы, их ветераны, вышедшие на экран в период с двадцатых по середину шестидесятых годов. Каждый день можно увидеть тридцать ―сорок художественных фильмов.
Мне кажется, самая важная особенность американского телевидения вообще, и нью-йоркского в частности, ― существование телевидения общественного, которое держится не на поступлениях от рекламы, а на дотациях как торговых корпораций, так и отдельных граждан. Программы телевидения общественного, которое имеет несколько каналов, в том числе общенациональных, насыщены очень высокими по своему качеству ― не только техническому ― передачами. Научно-популярными, общеобразовательными, передачами-дискуссиями, передачами-концертами, театральными постановками, трансляциями лучших оперных и балетных спектаклей.
Есть в Нью-Иорке и несколько «этнических» каналов ― зарегистрированных для студий, работающих для иммигрантов: латиноамериканский, китайский, японский. Готовят передачи только для выходцев из Южной Азии. А по одному из каналов идут короткие программы русского американского телевидения. Два канала целиком отданы под видеоклипы ― Эм-ти-ви и сравнительно недавно появившийся Ви-эйч-один. Двадцать четыре часа в сутки ― музыка.
И, наконец, программы «трех китов» телевидения ― крупнейших коммерческих телекомпаний Эй-би-си, Эн-би-си,
Си-би-эс. По структуре, тематике они почти близнецы: новости, спорт, развлекательные и научно-популярные программы, «разговорные шоу», публицистика. Содержанием же разительно отличаются. Один пример: за несколько лет работы в Америке не припомню случая, чтобы просмотрев телевыпуск последних известий, скажем Си-би-эс или Эн-би-си, где в принципе даются те же самые ― по тематике ― выпуски, я не получил бы дополнительных сведений, оценок, дополнительных, как говорят телевизионщики, «картинок». Конкуренция, а она жесточайшая, требует поиска. И творчества.
И все же ньюйоркцы не прочь добавить еще десяток каналов. Говорят, жаль, не всякому пока по карману установка перед домом антенны-тарелки, которая позволяет «снимать» телесигналы со спутников и принимать программы из других районов Америки и из-за рубежа. Но убеждены: рано или поздно телевидение непременно станет всемирным.
Французское телевидение
Двадцать, тридцать и больше программ доступны французскому телезрителю. Развитая сеть кабельных телекоммуникаций, спутников вещания дают такую возможность. В Париже абонентов обслуживает государственная компания «Парикабль». С ее помощью в октябре 1986 года, когда она начала работать, первые 30 тысяч парижских семей за 140―150 франков в месяц получила доступ к 15, а затем и к 30 программам. Можно при желании смотреть английские, итальянские, испанские программы. Можно ― по спутниковой связи ― американские и 1-ю программу ЦТ из Москвы.
Но основными программами в Париже считают те, что идут по каналам ТФ-1, «Антенн-2», ФР-3, «Канал-плюс», «Сенк» (пятый), М-6. Многочисленные журналисты, рассказывающие о ТВ, анонсируют в первую очередь передачи именно этих программ. Красочно, с подробностями.
Каждый день по всем телепрограммам ― приключенческие фильмы, полицейские сериалы, юмористические, по 25 минут, передачи, именуемые фельетонами. «Канал-плюс» примерно два раза в неделю глубокой ночью показывает эротический фильм ― «для тех, кто ни с кем не спит», как здесь шутят. М-6 ― канал преимущественно музыкальный, работает вместе с каналом «Сенк» круглосуточно. В «прайм тайм» ― главное время, с 20.30 до 22.30, начинается настоящее состязание программ по части кинофильмов. Обязательно добротных, снятых именитыми режиссерами, с участием популярных артистов. Выбрать непросто.
Говорить, что программы похожи одна на другую, было бы неправильно. Отличие есть и порой весьма заметное. Особенно в подаче новостей. Если ТФ-1 предпочитает меньше комментировать, а больше показывать, то «Антенн-2» (государственная вместе с ФР-3 программа), например, склонна приглашать в студию гостей во время выпусков новостей, давать им слово; более обстоятельно подходит к событиям. ФР-3, в свою очередь, играет роль как бы регионального, провинциального ТВ ― дважды в день дает часовые обозрения новостей из разных провинций Франции. Футбольные репортажи с чемпионата страны ― по «Каналу-плюс», владеющему лицензией на право трансляции матчей. Теннис ― только по каналу «Антенн-2», равно как и международные соревнования велосипедистов «Тур де Франс».
Есть, разумеется, и серьезные передачи. Их много. Предельно ясно подход французского ТВ к серьезным передачам разъяснил нам один из руководителей программы «Антенн-2» Жан-Марк Вирье: «Мы думаем и о тех зрителях, которые нечасто смотрят ТВ, но желают делать это с максимальной пользой», ― и показал раскладку передач по темам на год. 24 процента занимали художественные передачи (в том числе спектакли), 21 процент ― информационные передачи, 25 ― документальные, 11 ― развлекательные, 9 ― молодежные, 4 ― кинофильмы (у других каналов этот процент значительно выше), 3 ― спортивные и 3 ― передачи, полезные для общества (выступления политических, профсоюзных деятелей, репортажи во время предвыборных кампаний). К слову, «Антенн-2» вещает не меньше 17 часов в день, начиная с 6.30 утра, без дневных перерывов. Канал ФР-3 ― поменьше, а ТФ-1 ― больше.
Когда четвертого апреля 1967 года государственная телекомпания ТФ-1 перешла в руки частного капитала, стало ясно: отныне французское телевидение вступило в новый этап своей почти полувековой истории ― коммерциализации и политизации. Многими денационализация была воспринята с большим огорчением. Но даже движение протеста, вобравшее в себя прогрессивно настроенных журналистов, актеров, телережиссеров, не помогло. Государственными остались только «Антенн-2» и ФР-3 (с прошлого года у них один президент).
Платит ТФ-1 своим сотрудникам значительно больше, и многих успело переманить. И тем не менее, оно не смогло безраздельно властвовать над зрителями. «Антенн-2», хотя и проигрывает, но не сдается. А среди тех зрителей, которые склонны к традиционным жанрам крепки в своих привязанностях, ее передачи пользуются куда большим спросом, чем передачи ТФ-1.
Но в мире французского ТВ идут еще и другие бои ― с внешним миром, с засильем американской телепродукции, грозящей вытеснить все французское с французского телеэкрана. Связано это, по мнению экспертов, с кризисом производства отечественной продукции, недостаточным для должного положения дел финансированием.
Дела, однако, не брошены на самотек. Специально созданный Высший совет по аудиовизуальным средствам информации, главу которого утверждает президент республики, внимательно следит за тем, чтобы французское телевидение оставалось французским. Совет вправе приостановить передачу, прибегнуть к финансовому наказанию, изъять лицензию на право трансляций. Все равны перед законом. Но первое же положение документа, регламентирующего миссию Высшего совета, гарантирует «равный доступ к информации, уважение к плюрализму мнений и суждений…».
Японское телевидение
Регулярное телевизионное вещание в Японии началось в 1953 году. 1 февраля этого года японская радиовещательная корпорация (Эн-эйч-кей) открыла телевизионный «сезон» в Японии, в репертуар которого сегодня входят передачи более ста телекомпаний в масштабах всей страны. За минувшее время японцы превратились в самую «телесмотрящую» нацию мира, проводя у экрана в среднем более четырех часов в день. Японское ТВ перешло на «цвет» в 1950 году, а черно-белые телевизоры вообще прекратили выпускать в стране в начале 70-х. В 1975 году по объему выработанных на рекламе средств японское телевидение опередило газеты, выйдя в наши дни на первое место по уровню «коммерческой отдачи». А это измеряется астрономической суммой 1,2 триллиона иен. Эфирное время принимаемых в Токио 10 телеканалов составляет 228 часов в сутки.
*****I d e a s a n d P o i n t s of V i e w
Read the passages and pick out interesting ideas and points of view so as to be able to draw on them while acting out scenes and discussing various topics.
TV Programmes That We Can See
We tend to view more and listen less, as time goes on. Take, for example, meetings between famous people from various walks of life. We like seeing the people taking part in these discussions. Merely to hear their voices is not quite the same.
We also like to watch television programmes dealing with animals and birds and all kinds of living things in their natural surroundings, as well as to watch sporting events in actual progress. Above all, we love seeing dramatic entertainment of all kinds: the plays of many leading dramatists; dramatized versions of the works of famous novelists; lively one-act plays, comic turns, and amusing episodes of all sorts.
We can hear symphony concerts, operas and oratorios, and popular melodies all transmitted with lifelike clarity. We have the opportunity of hearing well-informed talks on archaeology, history, geography, science and technology. We hear critics talking about new books, films, plays, works of art. We hear living poets reading their own poems.
Answer the following questions about the passage.
1. What is the current tendency in the relationship between viewing and listening?
2. Why is it so?
3. Why do viewers like watching programmes dealing with animals and birds?
4. What are the other kinds of programmes that appeal to viewers?
5. Does a music telecast have any advantages over a similar radio broadcast?
The Announcer
Announcing in television is part of what is called “Presentation”, the department which ‘presents’ programmes. Announcers are necessary because without them television would proceed in a series of disconnected jerks.
What is the right personality? There are several obvious answers. A good appearance is naturally of the first importance. This does not mean good looks alone. Beauty or mainly good looks with little in the way of character or experience to back them would stand no chance whatever.
The first assets are an attractive face and a reasonably good figure in a girl, and, in a man, the ability to hold himself well. Next comes intelligence. This is not intellectualism, nor is it an ability to parrot out masses of facts. It includes first a good understanding of the language, and a very large measure of common sense and adaptability. You must also have a good memory. A newsreader has a script to read from, but most announcements are made from memory.
Next to appearance and intelligence you should have a friendly, likeable manner; not over-friendly or with any hint of that detestable chumminess which is the stamp of insincerity.
The right kind of voice is important. It must be pleasant in timbre, yet have sufficient quiet authority to make the viewer listen to what is being said. You are there as an announcer to convey information and to get the viewer to listen to it. “Confidence” is perhaps a better word than “authority” in this connection and it is linked with the most important thing of all – the ability to be poised and at ease before the cameras. If you have this gift by nature, you are fortunate: not many possess it. The majority of people are self-conscious or become so when they face a microphone or camera.
Answer the questions about the passage.
1. What is the role of announcing in television?
2. What are the most important assets necessary to an announcer?
3. Why is a good memory so important to an announcer?
4. How should an announcer hold himself in front of the camera?
5. What are the requirements for an announcer’s intellectual level?
Television and Television Viewers
Television now plays such an important part in so many people’s lives. Obviously television has both advantages and disadvantages.
In the first place, television is not only a convenient source of entertainment, but also a comparatively cheap one. For a family of four, for example, it is more convenient as well as cheaper to sit comfortably at home, with practically unlimited entertainment available, than to go out in search of amusement elsewhere. There is no transport to arrange. They do not have to find a baby-sitter. They do not have to pay for expensive seats at the theatre, the cinema, the opera, or the ballet only to discover, perhaps, that the show is a rotten one.
All they have to do is turn a knob, and they can see plays, films, operas and shows of every kind, not to mention political discussions and the latest exciting football match. Some people, however, maintain that this is precisely where the danger lies. The television viewer need do nothing. He does not even use his legs. He takes no initiative. He makes no choice and exercises no judgement.
There are many other arguments for and against television. The poor quality of its programmes is often criticized. And does it corrupt or instruct out children?
I think we must realize that television in itself is neither good nor bad. It is the uses to which it is that determine its value to society.
Answer the following questions about the passage.
1. What is the role of television in people’s lives?
2. What are the advantages of television?
3. What are the disadvantages of television?
4. What is the relationship between television and society?
Television
Television has not been with us that long but we are already beginning to forget what the world was like without it. Before we admitted the one-eyed monster into our homes, we never found it difficult to occupy our spare time. We used to enjoy civilized pleasures. For instance, we used to have hobbies, we used to entertain our friends and be entertained by them, we used to attend sporting events. We even used to read books and listen to music and broadcast talks occasionally. All that belongs to the past. Now, all our free time is regulated by the “box”. We rush home to be in time for this or that programme. We have even given up sitting at table and having a leisurely meal, exchanging the news of the day. A sandwich and a glass of beer will do or anything, providing it does not interfere with the programme. The monster demands and obtains absolute silence and attention. If any member of the family dares to open his mouth during a programme, he is quickly silenced.
Whole generations are growing up addicted to the telly. Food is left uneaten, home work undone and sleep is lost. It is now a standard practice for a mother to keep the children quiet by putting them in the living room and turning on the set.
Television encourages passive enjoyment. We become content with second-hand experiences. It is easy to sit in our armchairs watching others working. Little by little, television cuts us off from the real world. We get lazy, we choose to spend a fine day glued to our sets rather than go out into the world itself. Television may be a splendid medium of communication, but it prevents us from communicating with each other. We only become aware how totally irrelevant television is to real living when we spend a holiday by the sea or in the mountains, far away from civilization. In quiet, natural surroundings, we quickly discover how little we miss the hypnotic tyranny of King Telly.
Answer the following questions about the passage.
1. Did the introduction of television into people’s life have any affect on their pattern of behaviour?
2. How did the people’s pattern of behaviour change?
3. What are the major disadvantages of television?
4. What are the consequences of people’s infatuation with television?
5. What is the way to get rid of the tyranny of television?
6. What is the author’s attitude towards television?
Could You Be Without TV?
A research institute, not long ago, designed the following experiment: 184 men and women were asked to volunteer to live for a whole year without television. But instead of the anticipated family idyll the consequences led to new conflicts and fiasco. Not a single person kept his promise for a whole year. Every third person participating in the experiment proved to be a TV maniac.
The first person to give up was a young man who, after abstaining from TV for three weeks, refused to continue when his favorite team were playing a televised league match. The last to capitulate were a middle-aged family, who were tempted to break the seal on their TV set when a new detective story by their favourite author, which had been given great press publicity, was due to go on the air. In the intervening months every single other volunteer succumbed to the claims of TV, often after considerable family conflicts.
The researchers had been interested in two main questions: How far is an individual or a family dependent on TV? How does TV influence the behaviour of the family and of individuals? In the first stage of research each member of the participating families had daily to fill in a questionnaire dealing with matters ranging from child education to free-time activities and every single aspect of family life. The next stage involved the sealing off of the TV sets while the researchers eagerly awaited changes in the answers to the questionnaires. Moreover, once a week a psychologist personally talked to each of the 184 men and women. And there was even the promise of a sum money for each day without TV.
After the failure of their experiment the leader of the research team said: “Those who oppose TV blame everything that is bad in family life on the box”. Women often complain that their husbands, on return from work, immediately sit down to watch TV, neglecting duties at home and to their wives. Children pa