Content characteristics of IPTV: analysis of sensationalism, localism, and interactivity

Abstract

This study combined observation and content analysis to examine professional Internet Protocol television (IPTV) content in terms of sensationalism, localism, and interactivity. Observational results found these videos were sensational, localized, and somewhat interactive. Content analysis showed that IPTV was different from tradi-tional TV content in that it used more sensational sex and celebrity stories, used more tabloid packaging, and appealed more to emotions through vivid storytelling techni-ques, in both entertainment and news content. In addition, localism was reflected in the selection of geographically and culturally proximate stories. The ‘local hook’ was more important in news than in entertainment. This case utilized some interactive features and social media for redistributing and for promoting selected content, but it still lacked two-way user interactivity. Implications are discussed.