INSTITUTIONS: QI & THE IT CROWD

Institutional contexts:

• The media channels‘/stations’ brand identities
•  The media channels’/stations’ ethos and histories (only relevant if they affect programmes)
• Regulatory (eg Public Service Broadcasting) requirements
• The media channels’/stations’ target audiences.
• Institutional contexts need only be discussed insofar as they illuminate the institutions’ choice of texts; they should not be studied independently of The IT Crowd and QI.

QI is broadcast on two channels, one being 'Dave' and the other being 'BBC Two'. BBC Two shows the television programme on Thursday nights at 10pm and Friday nights at around 11pm. The brand identify of BBC is to 'inform, educate and entertain' the audience. BBC Two is also quite family orientated and also shows a large amount of Tv drama shows. QI suits the brand identify and it's target audience as it provides comical yet factual discussions about a large variety of subjects, including: history; art; science; culture and more. QI is currently on series 'L' and the BBC premieres the new episodes, whereas 'Dave' shows older repeats of the show. 

BBC 2's remit is 'to be a mixed-genre channel appealing to a broad adult audience with programmes of depth and substance. It should carry the greatest amount and range of knowledge building programming of any BBC television channel, complemented by distinctive comedy, drama and arts programming.'

The channel Dave was originally known as 'UKTV', but was re-branded with a new brand identity. Dave predominantly targets men between the ages of 15 and 45 as is named because 'everybody knows a bloke called Dave'. Therefore making the channel relatable and familiar to audiences. The slogan to the channel is 'the home of witty banter' informing audiences that the shows are primarily comical. Dave broadcasts QI at a wider range of times in comparison to BBC Two. It can be shown between 8pm and 3am unlike the regular 10/11pm slots.