hufilmtv1-7, Exercise 1: Structure and memory

Model answer (check the details):

Structure: Hungarian Television started regular broadcasts in 1957 as a state-owned service, and for most of the socialist period there were only one or two channels. The state supervised the news, drama and entertainment, and programmes were scheduled in a way that set evening habits for the whole country.

Effect on viewing: large audiences watched the same programmes at the same time, so hits such as adventure serials, literary adaptations, quizzes and New Year's Eve shows became shared experiences. Imported programmes were dubbed and chosen by the state.

Effect on memory: because everyone saw the same few programmes, older Hungarians recall them as common reference points and can quote them. The sense that "everyone watched" is partly true for the biggest hits, but it needs checking with viewing figures, since different groups watched differently and memory exaggerates.