TEXT 8
BRITISH TELEVISION
Watching TV is undoubtedly the way most British people spend most of their spare time. Perhaps this proves something about British TV programmes; on the other hand perhaps it proves something about the British.
There are four TV channels: BBC1 BBC2, ITV (Independent Television) and Channel 4.
The first two are run by the British Broadcasting Corporation and are non-commercial. This means that they do not show advertisements. The money to run BBC TV (and radio) comes from a licence, which everybody who owns a TV must buy. The whole of ITV is controlled by the Independent Broadcasting Authority IBA). It was set up in 1954. There are fifteen different television programme companies, each serving a different part of the country. These companies get most of their money from firms who use them for advertising.
The BBC first channel resembles the fourth radio programme. Except for the short period when it splits into regions, it broadcasts the same news, comments, plays, sports reports, etc.
The second channel is for minority tastes. It includes occasionally a complete opera. It broadcasts Open University courses outside popular viewing hours.
ITV is run by commercial companies who get their money by showing advertisements. Advertisers' material appears for one or two minutes at quarter-hour intervals, either between programme - items or in so-called «natural breaks». There are strict rules about the amount of advertising and the type of advertisements allowed (e.g. advertisements for cigarettes are forbidden). The advertisers do not sponsor the programmes or have any direct influence On their content. However, the charge for each half-minute of time is high, and varies according to the likely number of viewers. The programme companies' financial success depends on their ability to attract viewers, and the programmes themselves inevitably reflect public tastes. In general ITV companies show programmes aimed at the mass market. BBC I programmes are also mainly light entertainment; e.g. detective programmes, comedy shows and music. More serious films, plays and documentaries are normally found on BBC.
All these channels produce a good mixture of miscellaneous entertainment, music, drama and serious discussion. All succeed in presenting news efficiently, interestingly. The BBC and commercial channels can both at their best be excellent; and both spend some time producing rubbish. Both radio and television are often criticised for many and contradictory reasons. But there seems to be a common opinion among people familiar with the productions of several countries that, compared with others, the British still deserve praise.
EXERCISES
Ex. 1. Use the proper tense.
1. Не told us that he (to be) back at five next day. 2. We knew ;hat she usually (to prepare) for her exam with her friend. 3. I was sure that he (to receive) a new issue of the magazine the day before yesterday.
Ex. 2. Choose the pronoun.
1. Did you read (some, any) English books last year? 2. (Nobody, nothing) can help me with my work. 3. Are you going knowhere, anywhere) this summer? 4. I want to invite (anybody, somebody) for my birthday party. 5. Is there (nothing, anything) on the table?
Ex. 3. Translate the sentences, pay attention to it and one.
1. It is these articles that make our newspaper so distinctive. 2. The evening newspaper is thicker than the morning one. 3. One needs much information to write an article. 4. It is not easy to understand this rule. 5. Whose article is it? It's mine. Give it to me, please.
Ex. 4. Translate the sentences, pay attention to modal verbs.
1. Не was allowed to publish his article in the central newspaper. 2. A journalist must keep his knowledge constantly up to date by reading newspapers and magazines. 3. May I smoke here? 4. She had to give up her job because she had to look after her baby. 5. Will you be able to bring me a copy of The Times? 6. This journalist can write his articles in English.
Ex. 5. Answer the questions on the text.
1. How many TV channels are there in Great Britain?
2. Are TV channels commercial or non-commercial?
3. What programmes does the BBC broadcast?
4. Is the second channel for minority tastes?
5. What is the difference between the BBC channels and ITV?
Ex. 6. Make a short summary of the text.