Is there a better approach to assessing the value of variety shows? A dual-driven method integrating data and knowledge

• Drawing from the theory of media ecosystem, a comprehensive three-dimensional value assessment indicator system for variety shows is constructed, covering “media level, economic level, and social level”. • Introducing an approach driven by both knowledge and data to evaluate the value of variety shows, demonstrating superior accuracy compared to singularly data- or knowledge-driven methods. • Providing practical guidance and decision-making support for international copyright trading of variety shows. Variety shows have achieved significant success in cross-border copyright trading, attracting considerable attention from international investors. There is a need for a method that can effectively integrate data and knowledge to evaluate the diverse values of variety shows, thereby assisting international investors in selecting the most suitable variety shows for investment. In light of this, this study analyzes the formation mechanism of the comprehensive value of variety shows based on media ecosystem theory, and subsequently constructs a three-dimensional value assessment index system covering the “media level, economic level, and social level”. Simultaneously, the study addresses the practical need for data-based assessment, employing a dual-driven approach that integrates data and knowledge. The result is the construction of the LDC-GV model, facilitating a comprehensive evaluation of the value of variety shows. In this study, we systematically gathered data on pop-up comments and derivative evaluations for 20 cross-platform variety shows, totaling 301,994 items. These data were utilized for empirical evaluation, and we conducted a methodological analysis in comparison with the knowledge-driven and data-driven approaches. The empirical results demonstrate that the dual-driven method, combining knowledge and data, can comprehensively and objectively assess the overall value of variety shows more effectively than the other two approaches. This method not only mitigates ambiguity and randomness in the assessment process but also yields a more reliable and accurate ranking of variety shows. The study delves into diverse perspectives and methodologies for evaluating the value of variety shows, with the overarching aim of providing decision support for the international copyright trade of such shows.