[GRE writing] Apr. 3, 2024
Task:
The following is a memorandum from the business manager of a television station.
Over the past year, our station has featured news broadcasts at 5:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
Over the past year, our station has featured news broadcasts at 5:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
However, recent surveys indicate that viewership for the 5:00 p.m. broadcast has declined significantly, while the 11:00 p.m. broadcast remains popular.
Therefore, to improve ratings and attract more viewers, we should eliminate the 5:00 p.m. broadcast and focus our resources on the 11:00 p.m. time slot.
Model Answer:
The argument presented by the business manager of the television station lacks logical coherence and overlooks several key considerations that warrant further examination.
While it is true that recent surveys indicate a decline in viewership for the 5:00 p.m. news broadcast, the recommendation to eliminate this broadcast and focus resources on the 11:00 p.m. time slot may not be the most effective solution for improving ratings and attracting more viewers.
Firstly, the argument assumes a causal relationship between the decline in viewership for the 5:00 p.m. broadcast and the popularity of the 11:00 p.m. broadcast.
However, it fails to consider other factors that may contribute to changes in viewership patterns, such as shifts in audience demographics, competition from other media outlets, or changes in news content and presentation.
Without a comprehensive analysis of these factors, the recommendation to eliminate the 5:00 p.m. broadcast may be premature and misguided.
Moreover, the argument overlooks the potential benefits of retaining the 5:00 p.m. broadcast and exploring strategies to revitalize and improve its appeal to viewers.
Moreover, the argument overlooks the potential benefits of retaining the 5:00 p.m. broadcast and exploring strategies to revitalize and improve its appeal to viewers.
Instead of immediately discontinuing the broadcast, the television station could invest in market research to better understand audience preferences and interests.
Instead of immediately discontinuing the broadcast, the television station could invest in market research to better understand audience preferences and interests.
By identifying areas for improvement and adapting content and format to better align with viewer expectations, the station can potentially rejuveneate the 5:00 p.m. broadcast and regain lost viewership.
By identifying areas for improvement and adapting content and format to better align with viewer expectations, the station can potentially rejuvenate the 5:00 p.m. broadcast and regain lost viewership.
Furthermore, the recommendation to focus resources solely on the 11:00 p.m. time slot neglects the opportunity to diversify programming and reach different audience segments.
Furthermore, the recommendation to focus resources solely on the 11:00 p.m. time slot neglects the opportunity to diversify programming and reach different audience segments.
By maintaining multiple news broadcasts at different times, the television station can cater to the needs and preferences of a broader audience base.
By maintaining multiple news broadcasts at different times, the television station can cater to the needs and preferences of a broader audience base.
Additionally, retaining the 5:00 p.m. broadcast may allow the station to capitalize on advertising revenue and sponsorship opportunities associated with that time slot.
Additionally, retaining the 5:00 p.m. broadcast may allow the station to capitalize on advertising revenue and sponsorship opportunities associated with that time slot.
In conclusion, while the decline in viewership for the 5:00 p.m. news broadcast is a cause for concern, the recommendation to eliminate this broadcast and concentrate resources on the 11:00 p.m. time slot may not be the most effective or prudent course of action.
In conclusion, while the decline in viewership for the 5:00 p.m. news broadcast is a cause for concern, the recommendation to eliminate this broadcast and concentrate resources on the 11:00 p.m. time slot may not be the most effective or prudent course of action.
By conducting a thorough analysis of audience preferences, exploring strategies to revitalize programming, and maintaining a diverse range of broadcast offerings, the television station can better position itself to improve ratings and attract more viewers.
By conducting a thorough analysis of audience preferences, exploring strategies to revitalize programming, and maintaining a diverse range of broadcast offerings, the television station can better position itself to improve ratings and attract more viewers.