Travel programs on tv as a part of entertainment media literacy

Abstract

Travel programs are one of the popular parts of content of modern Ukrainian mediaspace. Appeared in 1995, such programs have one of the highest ratings on television. In our researching we examined the history of travel programs in Ukraine, offered our own classification of this programs by genre, purpose, theme. We also provided the poll of the viewers of travel programs in Ukraine (N 400). Most of our respondents are interested in the culture and history of the country, which is shown in the travel program, places to visit, food, attractions. Also viewers think that famous people as narrators increase the popularity and ratings of the program. However, this fact does not confirm on practice. We also found out that thanks to the travel programs, the audience learns more about other people, such TV product encourages and inspire travelers to learn the traditions and cultures of different people of the world. Besides, travel programs encourage people to travel more. Ukrainians like to watch beautiful frames of nature, buildings, architecture of countries abroad, though they believe that information in the program should be objective and truthful. Also there is a free niche of travel programs, which can be filled in the coming years.