With the recent COVID-19 outbreak, more precautionary measures have been enforced to slow down the spread. With this social distancing safety measure, the entertainment industry has taken a hit. From pausing filming to postponing releases, the entertainment industry is also entering unprecedented grounds. One big hit that might not be top of mind is how live audiences are being affected.
Television talk shows in Los Angeles are starting to film with no live audience due to safety precautions taken for the Coronavirus outbreak. Although talk shows depend on a live audience for entertainment, this procedure limits the need for large public gatherings to prevent any virus from spreading.
Although this measure of removing a live audience has never been precedented, this is a good precautionary option to take, safety wise. Because these shows rely very heavily on audience interaction, hosts will need to brainstorm creative ways to create humorous and engaging content with no physical feedback. Marketing will need to increase to bring more excitement and virtual engagement through social media to keep the concept of live audience television alive.
The excitement and energy for talk shows came from the audience. The host interacts with the audience and brings in special guests during these shows. With the outbreak being on the news and taking over the media, there are industries being affected outside of the major point of vision. Without a live audiences, talk shows will take a hit due to views and level of engagement from online viewers.
Although, this COVID-19 era is unmarked territory for many, this allows for an opportunity to get creative and test out new methods.
- Going old school and having audience text to engage on the show
- Utilize social media to connect with the host in real time
- Video chat with participants and guest stars
These creative solutions are just the tip of the iceberg to help live audience television still succeed during these confusing times. By being isolated at home, viewers are constantly depending on entertainment to keep themselves occupied. Because of this inclining demand, the entertainment industry is making lemonade out of lemons and experimenting with new media options.
Article mentioned: The New York Times
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