Growing up, I loved Sesame Street, Strawberry Shortcake and My Little Pony. Not only did I watch the TV shows regularly, but I also had toys from each of the shows. Whenever one of the shows were on, I would have the matching toy by my side, playing along with whatever the characters were up to that day. Everytime we went to a toy store, I would immediately go for the toys I saw come to life on TV. My all time favorite doll was Betty Lou from Se
same Street (does anyone remember her?). She and I would re-inact the day to day happenings on the show, having endless hours of fun.
same Street (does anyone remember her?). She and I would re-inact the day to day happenings on the show, having endless hours of fun."The American television industry, for instance, connects with other large industries, especially advertising companies but also national and multinational corporations that produce, distribute, and market a wide range of commodities . So, for example, commericial TV networks no longer buy original children's television shows. Network executives only want new program ideas associated with sucessful retail products already marketed to children. By late 1990 more than 20 toy based TV shows appeared on American commerical TV weekly" (DH, 63).
Think about that. That is so smart. Kids love toys that go along with their favorite TV shows. Tha
t's why Buzz Lightyear, Dora the Explorer and Bob the Builder were such big sellers, both on TV and in merchandise. Networks know they can make a killing by focusing on the demographic and tempting them with the latest toy of their favorite character. Kids love toys. Kids do not realize how much these toys cost. When they see one of these toys they beg their parents for it. If they don't get it, its probable that a temper tantrum will take place. Then what do the parents do? If they are anything like some parents I know, they will buy the toy to stop the crying. Its an ingenuis strategy, but one I will have to be careful of when I am a parent. Think of the sucess of these shows, and consider the absolute wealth their manufacturers must be enjoying. I know it brought me joy as a kid, who knows how much money those companies made off of me!
t's why Buzz Lightyear, Dora the Explorer and Bob the Builder were such big sellers, both on TV and in merchandise. Networks know they can make a killing by focusing on the demographic and tempting them with the latest toy of their favorite character. Kids love toys. Kids do not realize how much these toys cost. When they see one of these toys they beg their parents for it. If they don't get it, its probable that a temper tantrum will take place. Then what do the parents do? If they are anything like some parents I know, they will buy the toy to stop the crying. Its an ingenuis strategy, but one I will have to be careful of when I am a parent. Think of the sucess of these shows, and consider the absolute wealth their manufacturers must be enjoying. I know it brought me joy as a kid, who knows how much money those companies made off of me! 
1 comments:
Buzz Lightyear, that's a good one. What better way to advertise than make a movie about toys. I hear that the sale of all of those classic toys skyrocketed too.
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