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Telegenic Subjects
A person or a topic that is particularly suited to the medium of television and attracts and interests an audience.
The presidential candidate John Kennedy was considered to be more telegenic than his opponent Richard Nixon, appearing more charming, youthful, energetic, and handsome in televised debates in 1960. It is claimed that his election victory was due at least in part to his greater telegenic appeal.
Subjects who are considered telegenic get more television time and attract more advertising revenue, hence the proliferation of reality shows rather than, say, poetry recitals. Some media analysts are concerned that the emphasis on telegenic subject matter elbows out coverage of important issues. The nuances of complex issues may be communicated better by other media. People relying mainly on television for ...