Media Essay

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...

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...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?