|
Title
|
|
|
|
Representation of fandom in mainstream media : analysis of production and content of Flemish televisions Superfans
|
|
|
Author
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Abstract
|
|
|
|
| By means of a qualitative analysis of Superfans, a five-part reality television series in which fans are followed in their daily activities, ranging from singing along at concerts to intimate camera confessions in a room dedicated to their idol, this article studies the representation of fandom in mainstream television and participants and TV-producers reflections upon it. Empirical content analysis and interviews reveal different aspects of fandom, as identified by Abercrombie and Longhurst, to dominate the representation: intense media use and fan productivity, strong hierarchical communities and a lack of critical interpretative skills. Fanidol relationships are shown to be based on emotions and to go beyond mere identification to include parasocial relationships and neo-religiosity. Results thus confirm the theoretical paradox between the television industrys promotion of celebrity to attract loyal audiences and the rejection of fandom through a carefully constructed representation hereof as freaky business. |
|
|
|
Language
|
|
|
|
English
|
|
|
Source (journal)
|
|
|
|
European journal of cultural studies. - London, 1998, currens
|
|
|
Publication
|
|
|
|
London
:
2016
|
|
|
ISSN
|
|
|
|
1367-5494
[print]
1460-3551
[online]
|
|
|
DOI
|
|
|
|
10.1177/1367549415597924
|
|
|
Volume/pages
|
|
|
|
19
:6
(2016)
, p. 513-528
|
|
|
ISI
|
|
|
|
000387713800001
|
|
|
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Full text (open access)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
|
|
|
|
|
|