Television

Abstract

Television is an important theme in Graham’s plays, using stage traditions to unpick societal influence wielded by the media. This chapter explains television’s power to affect State functions and shape national discussions, looking at the complex organisation of television companies behind the camera along with perceptions of fact and truth presented on-screen, the impact of television on how we communicate and how individuals are trampled by commercial forces. Employing a case study approach, this chapter examines Quiz, Graham’s anatomy of television justice, the distorting of perspective, manipulation of evidence and the phenomenon of trial by television which has significant consequences for the independence of the justice system, and Best of Enemies commenting on changing public discourses, the abdication of news channel moderation and how factual authoritative reporting was altered by personal and political agendas in the television debates between Gore Vidal and William F. Buckley.