Restaurants on TV: the image of “the restaurant” in Italian television broadcasts

Broadcasts about food and restaurants are occupying increasingly important slots in the TV listings, not only in Italy but also in other countries worldwide (Creeber, 2015). There are various types: cooking shows, talent and game shows. The objective of the research was to analyse the types of broadcasts, to provide an initial categorization of catering models "represented" on TV and assess the extent to which these models impact on what people cook and eat. 15 broadcasts were analysed, preferably set in restaurants and touching on most aspects of food. The results, while showing the tendency of these broadcasts to present a variety of culinary suggestions with roots in local traditional cuisine, suggest a progressive specialization and segmentation in restaurant supply.