Question about japanese tv shows

I have happened to see some japanese morning shows,some discussing recent news. Often there is a small picture in The corner showing live image of one of the studio guests. Whats the meaning of this really?

If it's like any of the other shows that have the picture-in-picture of studio participants, they usually show them so the television viewers can see their reactions as they watch the same video as the viewing audience.

Is it like when adding applause sounds to American SitCom shows maybe?

The "meaning" if you wanna call it that, is to show the studio presenters response to a news article.

It helps the people without independent thinking and sense of humour to react and laugh appropriately at correct situations. ;)

It's like a predetermined signal to the masses that you should laugh at this point. As you should say "oishii" every time you put anything in your mouth.

No stress of being the only one laughing or not laughing when looking at the show together. ;) ;) Nail that sticks out... and so on.

Is it like when adding applause sounds to American SitCom shows maybe?

Well, not exactly.

Viewers here in Japan kind of take it naturally. I mean, a lot of TV shows around the world invite guests to the studio. Why? I think it's because viewers enjoy listening to what their favorite celebrity says about what the program is discussing. Sure, they're often there to promote their next movie or CD, but still, people are interested in what famous people say about things we commoners are all concerned about.

If it's radio, we just wait for the DJ to ask them for comments. But since it's TV, and since we now have the technology of setting up a tiny window at the corner, we can view the guests' expressions even while we mainly focus on news footage.

It's a little bit like being with a friend while watching the news, instead of being all by yourself. You see something shocking on TV, and you look at your friend and (s)he seems surprised too. That makes you feel like you're not alone. Or you see your friends smiling, and it's nice to see that someone you know is as happy as you are. Or you might be amused that your friend looks different when (s)he laughs at a joke.

I don't think it's the same as SitCom sound effects, because those are artificial. On the other hand, the corner window is showing real people you know from their other appearances.

Hope it helps.

That is calling "(corner) wipe(ワイプ)" one of usual effect.
Not only for studio guests reactions but just in this case is so.
BC most watchers intrested in and wish to watch longer cute/sexy/cool looks guest/announcer's reactions than content.
Also in Japan TV rating points are most important/serious problem for keeping good(big name/rich) sponsors.
Only good content dosen't make rating points high so need very famous talents(expensive costs) regularly.
Morning show is one of hard competition time.
Japanese TV shows camera switching very frequently and a lot of effects using are same reason.
TV station and Sponsors wishing "Don't switch from our channel!!!" anytime.

Sitcome show's audience voices also mostly same just sharing "emotion/reaction" points.
American TV shows competition really harder than Japan.
"Internet" making TV's AD costs down so already have been big enemy.
http://a1genius.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Advertising-Growth-Tren...
Also in Japan watchers numbers problem already serious by the declining number of children.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sub-replacement_fertility

I don't think it's the same as SitCom sound effects, because those are artificial. On the other hand, the corner window is showing real people you know from their other appearances.

Well... The reactions in the small window are almost as artificial as SitCom effects. The people are paid to show some kind of reaction, so naturally it will be fake or at least exaggerated. Many times one can see the "surprise" miles away, but still the "window person" acts like the sky is full of rainbows and David Bowie can be seen riding a pink whale.

Same applies pretty much to other reactions, like laughter, shock or the ever present "oishii".