Entertaiment is defined as “an activity understood objectively that involves communication between text and audience from an external stimulus, offers pleasure and requires an audience to exist in a passive form.” Bates and Ferri (2010) add that entertainment satisfies consumer needs and provides positive experiences.

While the word is often associated with light-hearted activities, there are examples of entertainment that have serious intent – such as ceremonies, celebrations or religious festivals. There is also a wide variety of scales to entertainment: from an individual choosing private entertainment from a vast array of pre-recorded products; to banquets for two or more; and performances adapted for large audiences.