The dispersible television text: theorising moments of the new Doctor Who

Television studies has tended to focus on the analysis of 'whole' texts and their structures of meaning, while special 'moments' have become central in textual design, promotion and fan readings within the contemporary television industry. This self-conscious focus on crafting and publicising memorable moments is analysed in relation to the BBC Wales' reimagining of Doctor Who (2005– ). It could be read either as one outcome of fan professionals making the programme or as a result of industry factors. Concluding with the film studies concept of the 'dispersible text' the article argues that television studies needs to pay greater attention to the construction and the reading of popular television in terms of textual 'moments'.