Time Bombs and Greedy Boomers … Case Study Analysis: Elite BBC Reporting on the Political Implications of Ageing – Making a Drama out of a ‘Crisis’?

The BBC programme If … The Generations Fall Out, which was first transmitted on March 24 2004, is highly significant as it provided an exceedingly rare flagship mass media event devoted to this issue of population. As such it provides invaluable material for analysis as the editorial team involved in the production were able to explore and develop deeper themes and portrayals of older people. If … The Generations Fall Out is also arguably a significant moment in television portrayals as it represents an early example of the kind of negative stereotyping, bordering on demonisation, of the baby boomer generation, and in particular perceived potential impact on society once they retire.