Soap Operas haven't always been on the TV - they used to be broadcast on the radio when they first came around in the 1930's. Some years later, after the TV had been released, manufacturers of household cleaning products saw a gap in the market and decided to create their very own soap operas which is how the term 'soap opera' came about. In 2012, we're still watching Soap Operas as their popularity is still high, and I'm certain that this will continue for many years to come.
The main Soap Operas that we have that are broadcast in the UK are shown on all the main TV channels.
> Eastenders - BBC.
> Coronation Street - ITV.
> Emmerdale - ITV.
> Hollyoaks - Channel 4.
> Home and Away - Channel 5.
> Neighbours - Channel 5.
They're meant to portray a sense of 'Working Class Life', though the realism of this can be questionned. The community spirit that each soap opera has is meant to reflect the neighbourhoods that we live in - but this too can be criticused.
There are different storylines that the Soaps focus on; some good, some bad. But storylines can also raise awareness. The storyline in Eastenders of Witney getting abused gave courage to people in reality who are also suffering, and let them know that help can be given. Statistics suggest that the number of people reporting such crimes surged dramatically at the time of the storyline, and is still a continuing trend.
Audiences of Soap Operas like suspense - and by leaving an episode on a cliffhanger, viewers are then more likely to return to watch the following episode to find the result of the 'cliff hanger'.
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