Which of the following is considered a key element of effective storytelling in television?

Conflict is a key element of effective storytelling in television because it drives the narrative and engages viewers emotionally. Conflict can manifest in various forms, such as interpersonal struggles between characters, moral dilemmas, or external challenges faced by the protagonists. It creates tension and uncertainty, which are essential for maintaining audience interest. Without conflict, a story can become stagnant and uninteresting, as there is no motivation for character development or plot progression.

The other elements, while important to the overall production quality, do not play as pivotal a role in storytelling itself. Costume design, for instance, enhances character portrayal and can help convey themes or settings but is not the central mechanism that propels a story forward. Camera equipment focuses on the technical aspects of production, ensuring that the story is visually captured, and set decoration enriches the environment and atmosphere, adding to the overall aesthetic appeal. However, neither of these elements directly influences the story's core narrative as much as conflict does.