Media Essay -- Papers

Media Essay The word quiz possibly originates from the Latin word "Qui es?" meaning "who are you?" it was also used to define a droll or eccentric person. Later it came to mean a practical joke, we therefore know the word "quiz" is of an uncertain origin. Wireless radio shows first became popular in 1934, it bro8ught with it a strange new programme called "The Symington's soups film star competition programme". This was the first quiz show broadcasted and proved to be very popular. Contestants would follow on screen instructions, write down answers and send them in to the show; winners received vouchers for powdered soup. The BBC's first quiz is believed to be on the "children's hour" programme in November 1937. Called regional round the position of authority was taken by uncle Mac. A correct answer from one lad was rewarded with the compliment 'that's absolutely wizard'. Very soon after this the first BBC quiz for adults was broadcast and was called "Trans-Atlantic quiz". In 1955 ITV formed a large number of quiz shows that became popular such as "take your pick" and "double your money". However in the 1970's and 80's limits on prize money were imposed by TV watchdogs and the maximum prize would be the equivalent of a small car every four shows. Therefore if more questions resulted in too many minis's being won, then the pre-recorded shows had to be screened out of sequence to space out the "big prizes. In the 1990's the birth of quiz shows with huge amounts of money such as "who wants to be a millionaire" and the "weakest link" became popular, some people criticise these are making the nation greedy by offering hu... ...erent occasions and for the first few times it is enjoyable to watch however after that it just becomes repetitive and boring. I feel that the possible million pound prize money is a very unique selling point as there are no other shows where u can win that much in one sitting. Yet I don't feel that the show would be as interesting without that much prize money. For how long the show has been on and the amount it could have given away it has only handed over one million pounds four times. Seven people have viewed the million pound question but decided not to risk it and have simply left with  £500,000. Overall throughout 344 shows and 15 series they have only given out 40 million pounds which isn't much considering over the years they might have had to pay out much more if everyone achieved the million pound mark?