Harmonious or out of tune? Cooperation between the television industry and the music business in talent contests of the 2000s

Abstract

In recent years, the television industry has cooperated closely with the music business in producing talent contests such as Idols, X-Factor and The Voice. While these music contests have been one of the most popular entertainment trends of the 2000s, their ratings and associated music sales have dropped substantially. This article explores opportunities and limitations in the cooperation between television and music production, examining differences in industrial practices and the ways in which these practices are being affected by digitisation and globalisation. Its empirical approach involves interviews with television and music professionals, as well as amateur participants of talent contests in Norway. The article finds that structural differences between these industries trigger struggles over the content and presentation of musical performances which, over time, undermine the credibility of the joint venture. However, the ‘flow model’ of television and the ‘editorial model’ of music are presently undergoing transformation within the digital media context that in turn afford new opportunities for corporate collaboration and for musical talents to find their audiences.