Lifestyling Britain

Abstract

1990s British terrestrial television saw a marked increase in lifestyle programming. Previously associated with daytime television, programmes on cooking, home decoration, fashion and gardening began to dominate the 8-9 early evening slot to considerable critical commentary. This article outlines the social and televisual factors relevant to this slot, while also posing questions about method in television studies. The history of hobby and leisure broadcasting is explored to clarify the innovative features of 1990s lifestyle programming and generational difference between television scholars is explored in the context of the group origins of the project. The role of the programmes in the broadcast schedules is discussed in relation to critical attitudes to banal programming.

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