The appeal of tabloid television to its viewers : focus group discussions/questionnaire survey

This research investigated the appeal of the tabloid television genre to its viewers. Three small focus groups comprised of college students from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and a follow- up survey (to check focus groups' responses) were used to find out what elements people said they liked and disliked about the tabloid television genre. This study asked whether it was the violence, re- enactments, or some other element that made the genre attractive to its viewers.

Results showed respondents had various reasons for watching the genre; they include: in order to see someone that they know; to relieve boredom; because they found the genre interesting; and for its entertainment. Also, results showed that the re-enactments on tabloid television interested respondents most, and made them feel involved in the tabloid television programs. In addition, results showed that tabloid television hosts, thought to be a central element within the genre, generally were not a determining factor in the enjoyment of the tabloid television programs for the respondents.

This study suggests that possible reasons for participants' enjoyment of the re-enactments were the gratifications they received from them, such as: the curiosity of wanting to "peep" into the lives of other people; and the sense of security in knowing that it didn't happen to them, i.e., because they were safe at home.