Graduation Year

Spring 2013

Document Type

Campus Only Senior Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

American Studies

Reader 1

Marie Shurkus

Reader 2

Alex Juhasz

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Terms of Use for work posted in Scholarship@Claremont.

Rights Information

© 2013 Ariel E. Saland

Abstract

I explore the effectiveness of fan campaigns to save television shows through the lens of audience participation and fandom studies. Beginning with a background of active audience reception theory and the evolution of fan studies, I identify what elements are necessary for a successful fan campaign. The most important factors of a successful campaign are numbers and adherence to the television economy. Using case studies, I trace the development of fan campaigns from the 1960s to the present and analyze the effectiveness of various tactics used. I also explore how the Internet, particularly social media, has changed both the perception of fans and the effectiveness of fan campaigns.

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