Derek Johnson: Transgenerational Media Industries: Adults, Children, and the Reproduction of Culture

How do family dynamics infiltrate media and bridge generations? Derek Johnson examines the various dynamics that connect childhood and adulthood in modern media in his book, Transgenerational Media Industries: Adults, Children, and the Reproduction of Culture. The impact of families interacting with media platforms goes far beyond enjoying TV together, it permeates various aspects of corporate America. Johnson breaks down the transgenerational relationships in five different aspects of consumer media: co-viewing in families, passing fandoms from parent to child, adult executives navigating child-centric roles, corporate insights in child-centered companies, and the role of children in producing content. Although consumer media appears to attract itself to specific age groups, it is carefully crafted to engage consumers across generations. Johnson carefully interweaves these concepts throughout the book to tell a complex narrative of the many relationships within this space. Whether a parent or a child, readers have the ability to connect with these narratives and reflect on their own upbringing and consumption habits. …