Metamorphosis: The Changes in the Language, Episode Treatment and Program Format of Probe from 1987-2010 Analyzed through the Political Economy Framework
ABSTRACT
This study walks through the development of Probe from its first airing in ABS-CBN in 1987 to its final broadcast in GMA in 2010. Using interviews and content analysis as methods, the researcher focuses on the changes in the language, episode treatment and program format of Probe. Grounded upon the political economy framework, the study asserts that the profit-driven nature of media was one of the primary factors that caused these changes.
Probe has been consistent in its high journalistic methods and its independence from political influences. But public affairs programs like Probe were always given the least priority in terms of programming as they provide the most risk and least monetary return to the television network.
This study found out that Probe had constantly reinvented itself to cater to the demands of the audiences and the broadcast industry and to keep up with the events in the local socio-political sphere.
The study calls for more research on the history of ground-breaking programs on Philippine television. Such endeavor is precious not only for contributing to knowledge but also for taking learnings from history and improving the quality of programs produced.
Ocampo. J. (2012). Metamorphosis: The Changes in the Language, Episode Treatment and Program Format of Probe from 1987-2010 Analyzed through the Political Economy Framework . Unpublished undergraduate thesis. University of the Philippines Diliman College of Mass Communication.
Key words: Probe, The Probe Team, Philippine television history, public affairs, political economy