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TELEVISION PROSPECT l8l
reasons, that it gives television special properties. 'Actuality' is not fascinating because the actor may sneeze or the conjurer trip over a cable. This is no more than the transitory appeal of novelty ; and if there is fascination, it lies in being able to observe these gaffes in the home, rather than in the gaffes themselves. Far more important than this is the obvious appeal of th^outside broadcast ; this is going to change our attitude to public affairs, as transmissions from elections, fights, races, and national events become normal and expected. Already in the U.S.A. the ubiquitous camera has altered the character of many public occasions ; politicians in committee are said to concentrate more upon the votecatching phrase or appealing mannerism when the cameras are around than upon a serious contribution to the matter in hand ; and solicitous columnists in this country have observed that the long-focus lens has destroyed the privacy of the Royal Box at Ascot, for lip-readers at least.
There can be little doubt that topical broadcasts will remain one of television's best selling-points for the next few years ; and it is an interesting question whether, as we grow accustomed to seeing everything of importance that ever happens, we shall participate more or less in the actual affairs of society ourselves. Meanwhile, it is obvious that the B.B.G. is more sure-footed in this than in any other field of television.
Yet, strong as is the appeal of outside broadcasts, these are not the reasons why 'actuality' exerts a qualitative effect on the medium. Let us once again compare it with film and this is relevant because of the common proposal that all 'live' broadcasts should be replaced by films, made with more finish and more control.
The film is a synthetic medium, and therein lies its expense. Independent lighting and rehearsal for every shot, and the faculty of combining shots in a multiplicity of ways, make the process lengthy and, by its very versatility, expensive. Infinite practice and re-taking ensure absolute control,