The Representation of Fandom in Mainstream Media: Production and Content Analysis of Flemish Television’s Superfans

• In Event: Audiences and Fans: From Disney Fans to the Nursing Home

Abstract

By means of a qualitative analysis of Superfans, a five-part reality television series in which fans are followed in their daily activities, ranging from singing along at concerts to intimate camera confessions in a room dedicated to their idol, this article studies the representation of fandom in mainstream television and the reflection here upon by participants and tv producers. Empirical content analysis and interviews reveal different aspects of fandom as identified by Abercrombie and Longhurst to dominate the representation: intense media use and fan productivity, strong hierarchical communities and a lack of critical interpretative skills. Fan-idol relationships are shown to go beyond mere identification to include parasocial relationships and neo-religiosity. As such, results confirm the theoretical paradox between the television industry’s promotion of celebrity to attract loyal audiences and the rejection of fandom as ‘freaky business’.

Authors

• Hilde Dy Van den Bulck, U of Antwerp

• Nathalie Claessens, U of Antwerp

• Jelle Mast, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)

• An Helene Kuppens, Erasmus U Rotterdam