2) Media consumption audit
3) Language: Reading an image - advert analyses*
4) Reception theory
5) Semiotics: icons, indexes and symbols
6) Genre: Factsheets and genre study questions
7) Narrative: Factsheet questions
Friday, 14 December 2018
MIGRAIN Index December 2018
1) Introduction to Media: 10 questions
2) Media consumption audit
3) Language: Reading an image - advert analyses*
4) Reception theory
5) Semiotics: icons, indexes and symbols
6) Genre: Factsheets and genre study questions
7) Narrative: Factsheet questions
2) Media consumption audit
3) Language: Reading an image - advert analyses*
4) Reception theory
5) Semiotics: icons, indexes and symbols
6) Genre: Factsheets and genre study questions
7) Narrative: Factsheet questions
Thursday, 13 December 2018
Cultural Industries
1) What does the term 'Cultural Industries' actually refer to?
Refers to the creation, production, and distribution of products of a cultural or artistic nature
2) What does Hesmondhalgh identify regarding the societies in which the cultural industries are highly profitable?
Hesmondhalgh said that cultural industries are highly profitable.
3) Why do some media products offer ideologies that challenge capitalism or inequalities in society?
Some media products want to gradually stay away from being bias therefore they have to show two arguments for their opinions which often leads to challenging initialism and society's inequalities with these certain ideologies.
4) Look at page 2 of the factsheet. What are the problems that Hesmondhalgh identifies with regards to the cultural industries?
Risky business
Creativity versus commerce
High production costs and low reproduction costs
Semi-public goods; the need to create scarcity
5) Why are so many cultural industries a 'risky business' for the companies involved?
Hesmondhalgh says that media companies are a risky business. There is no guarantee a creative product will be a success.
6) What is your opinion on the creativity v commerce debate? Should the media be all about profit or are media products a form of artistic expression that play an important role in society?
In my opinion, I strongly disagree about the fact that media should be all about 'profit'. Media products are a form of artistic expression and they play a very important role in society.
7) How do cultural industry companies minimise their risks and maximise their profits? (Clue: your work on Industries - Ownership and control will help here)
One way is through promotion. This is where the company creates an advert or banner to promote their company.
8) Do you agree that the way the cultural industries operate reflects the inequalities and injustices of wider society? Should the content creators, the creative minds behind media products, be better rewarded for their work?
I strongly agree that content creator such as YouTubers should be more credited for the media products they create and produce. Hours and days are spent on planning for the content they're producing and all of them start off with nothing. They should definitely be better rewarded for their work that they produce.
9) Listen and read the transcript to the opening 9 minutes of the Freakonomics podcast - No Hollywood Ending for the Visual-Effects Industry. Why has the visual effects industry suffered despite the huge budgets for most Hollywood movies?
The Freakonomics podcast speaks about the Visual-Effects Industry suffering from bankruptcy despite the fact it is key in most films including award winning films such as Life Of Pi that has won the oscars.
10) What is commodification?
Turning everything into something that can be bought or sold.
11) Do you agree with the argument that while there are a huge number of media texts created, they fail to reflect the diversity of people or opinion in wider society?
I agree with the fact that huge number of media texts are created however, they fail to reflect the diversity of people or opinion in wider society. This is because the media mainly only focuses on politics and talks about opinions they believe in e.g. some newspapers are more left wing and some are more right wing. They fail so include everyones opinions on the particular topic.
12) How does Hesmondhalgh suggest the cultural industries have changed?
Hesmondhalgh acknowledges that media companies are operating a risky business. There is no guarantee a creative product will be a success.
Refers to the creation, production, and distribution of products of a cultural or artistic nature
2) What does Hesmondhalgh identify regarding the societies in which the cultural industries are highly profitable?
Hesmondhalgh said that cultural industries are highly profitable.
3) Why do some media products offer ideologies that challenge capitalism or inequalities in society?
Some media products want to gradually stay away from being bias therefore they have to show two arguments for their opinions which often leads to challenging initialism and society's inequalities with these certain ideologies.
4) Look at page 2 of the factsheet. What are the problems that Hesmondhalgh identifies with regards to the cultural industries?
Risky business
Creativity versus commerce
High production costs and low reproduction costs
Semi-public goods; the need to create scarcity
5) Why are so many cultural industries a 'risky business' for the companies involved?
Hesmondhalgh says that media companies are a risky business. There is no guarantee a creative product will be a success.
6) What is your opinion on the creativity v commerce debate? Should the media be all about profit or are media products a form of artistic expression that play an important role in society?
In my opinion, I strongly disagree about the fact that media should be all about 'profit'. Media products are a form of artistic expression and they play a very important role in society.
7) How do cultural industry companies minimise their risks and maximise their profits? (Clue: your work on Industries - Ownership and control will help here)
One way is through promotion. This is where the company creates an advert or banner to promote their company.
8) Do you agree that the way the cultural industries operate reflects the inequalities and injustices of wider society? Should the content creators, the creative minds behind media products, be better rewarded for their work?
I strongly agree that content creator such as YouTubers should be more credited for the media products they create and produce. Hours and days are spent on planning for the content they're producing and all of them start off with nothing. They should definitely be better rewarded for their work that they produce.
9) Listen and read the transcript to the opening 9 minutes of the Freakonomics podcast - No Hollywood Ending for the Visual-Effects Industry. Why has the visual effects industry suffered despite the huge budgets for most Hollywood movies?
The Freakonomics podcast speaks about the Visual-Effects Industry suffering from bankruptcy despite the fact it is key in most films including award winning films such as Life Of Pi that has won the oscars.
10) What is commodification?
Turning everything into something that can be bought or sold.
11) Do you agree with the argument that while there are a huge number of media texts created, they fail to reflect the diversity of people or opinion in wider society?
I agree with the fact that huge number of media texts are created however, they fail to reflect the diversity of people or opinion in wider society. This is because the media mainly only focuses on politics and talks about opinions they believe in e.g. some newspapers are more left wing and some are more right wing. They fail so include everyones opinions on the particular topic.
12) How does Hesmondhalgh suggest the cultural industries have changed?
Hesmondhalgh acknowledges that media companies are operating a risky business. There is no guarantee a creative product will be a success.
Media regulation: blog task
Read the Factsheet and complete the following questions/tasks:
1) What is regulation and why do media industries need to be regulated?
Regulation prevents content that doesn't meet the age restriction from being shown. Media needs to be regulated so young people aren't exposed to explicit content.
2) What is OFCOM responsible for?
OFCOM is responsible for regulating TV, radio and the internet.
3) Look at the section on the OFCOM broadcasting code. Which do you think are the three most important sections of the broadcasting code and why?
These are all the sections on the OFCOM broadcasting code-
Section 1: Protecting the Under-Eighteens
Section 2: Harm and Offence
Section 3: Crime
Section 4: Religion
Section 5: Impartiality and Undue Prominence of Views and Opinions
Section 6: Elections and Referendums
Section 7: Fairness
Section 8: Privacy
Section 9: Commercial References in Television Programming
The three most important sections in my opinion is Section 1, Section 5 and Section 2.
4) Do you agree with OFCOM that Channel 4 was wrong to broadcast 'Wolverine' at 6.55pm on a Sunday evening? Why?
I agree with OFCOM, this is because on a Sunday evening there is always children at home who are often watching television. Previous films have been shown at this time on channel 4 so in this occasion families would think it is okay for their child to watch this. This would lead the child to watching violent content.
5) List five of the sections in the old Press Complaints Commission's Code of Practice.
Accuracy, Opportunity to reply, Privacy, Harassment and Intrusion into grief and shock.
6) Why was the Press Complaints Commission criticised?
Due to a lack of statutory powers.
7) What was the Leveson enquiry and why was it set up?
Because of the phone hacking scandal and the company was found to be hacking phone calls related to the royal family.
8) What was the PCC replaced with in 2014?
The PCC was replaced with IPSO in 2014.
9) What is your opinion on press regulation? Is a free press an important part of living in a democracy or should newspapers face statutory regulation like TV and radio?
I think it is important so there its isn't supporting left wing nor right wing. It shares news from both side and keeps it balanced.
10) Why is the internet so difficult to regulate?
Regulating the internet is a very difficult task as there are many loopholes to get around things even if they are patched.
1) What is regulation and why do media industries need to be regulated?
Regulation prevents content that doesn't meet the age restriction from being shown. Media needs to be regulated so young people aren't exposed to explicit content.
2) What is OFCOM responsible for?
OFCOM is responsible for regulating TV, radio and the internet.
3) Look at the section on the OFCOM broadcasting code. Which do you think are the three most important sections of the broadcasting code and why?
These are all the sections on the OFCOM broadcasting code-
Section 1: Protecting the Under-Eighteens
Section 2: Harm and Offence
Section 3: Crime
Section 4: Religion
Section 5: Impartiality and Undue Prominence of Views and Opinions
Section 6: Elections and Referendums
Section 7: Fairness
Section 8: Privacy
Section 9: Commercial References in Television Programming
The three most important sections in my opinion is Section 1, Section 5 and Section 2.
4) Do you agree with OFCOM that Channel 4 was wrong to broadcast 'Wolverine' at 6.55pm on a Sunday evening? Why?
I agree with OFCOM, this is because on a Sunday evening there is always children at home who are often watching television. Previous films have been shown at this time on channel 4 so in this occasion families would think it is okay for their child to watch this. This would lead the child to watching violent content.
5) List five of the sections in the old Press Complaints Commission's Code of Practice.
Accuracy, Opportunity to reply, Privacy, Harassment and Intrusion into grief and shock.
6) Why was the Press Complaints Commission criticised?
Due to a lack of statutory powers.
7) What was the Leveson enquiry and why was it set up?
Because of the phone hacking scandal and the company was found to be hacking phone calls related to the royal family.
8) What was the PCC replaced with in 2014?
The PCC was replaced with IPSO in 2014.
9) What is your opinion on press regulation? Is a free press an important part of living in a democracy or should newspapers face statutory regulation like TV and radio?
I think it is important so there its isn't supporting left wing nor right wing. It shares news from both side and keeps it balanced.
10) Why is the internet so difficult to regulate?
Regulating the internet is a very difficult task as there are many loopholes to get around things even if they are patched.
MIGRAIN October assessment learner response
1) You start reasonably with Todorov but need to add so much more detail, theory and insight in the rest of the paper.
Lack of theory for Q1 + Q3 - revise narrative and genre. You also need to revise and practice applying reception theory - there are so many points that could be made for Vibe's oppositional reading but you don't make any of them.
2) Read the mark scheme for this assessment carefully. Identify at least one potential point that you missed out on for each question in the assessment.
One potential point that I have clearly missed for question 1 and throughout the exam is consistent use of high media terminology. I also need to work on doing detailed analysis on question 1 along with mentioning different theorists in my answer.
For question 2, one way I could've massively improved my answer is by expanding my answer and showing that I understand the question rather than waffling. I need to use media terminology in my answers so I am able to gain full marks.
3) Read this exemplar response from a previous Year 12 (a strong B grade). Identify at least one potential point that you missed out on for each question in the assessment.
One potential point I missed out for each question is that I didn't name the theorist. Naming the theorist and applying it to the question is crucial and that is something I missed out on each question.
4) Did you get any media terminology or theory wrong in the assessment? Make a note of it here for future revision, including theories/terminology that you could have used but didn't.
Some of the theories that I didn't use during the exam but I should've uses is Propp's character types and Barthes enigma codes.
5) Identify your strongest question. Why did you do better on this question? My strongest question in this exam was question 1.
This is because I mentions a theorist and clearly analysed the question whereas, the other questions I analysed weren't detailed enough and wasn't written sophisticated enough to achieve high marks.
6) Identify your weakest question. Why did you score lower on this particular task?
My weakest question in this exam was question 4. The reason I scored lower on this particular question is because I didn't stick to the timings and I ended up running out of time. To prevent this from happening I will need to practise doing exam papers in timed conditions.
7) Re-write your weakest answer in full. Use the mark scheme to identify anticipated content you can add to your response and make sure your typed re-draft is a top-level answer.
Genre is important for producers because otherwise the producers will not have a solid narrative or a target audience. Genre is extremely important so producers will also know what typical things to include e.g. for horror movies producers will use the typical dark lighting whereas, for comedy movies they'll use high-key lighting.
Genre is also extremely important for the audience otherwise the audience will not know what they are watching and they will not know what to expect e.g. for action films the audience would expect a fight whereas, for a comedy film they'd expect something to make them laugh.
REDRAFT:
Genre is important for audiences because it gives the audiences the expectation of the narrative, character plot and the content that is expected. The genre also can give audience pleasures e.g. when watching the trailer of a film, there are enigma and action codes. If there was no genre then the audience would not know what to expect which could potentially lead the film to fail.
Genre is important for producers because otherwise the producers will not have a solid narrative or a target audience. Genre is extremely important so producers will also know what typical things to include e.g. for horror movies producers will se the typical dark lighting whereas, for comedy movies they'll use high-key lighting. Genre allows the producers to evolve genre but maintain their audience.
Abercrombie suggests that television set out to exploit genre conventions as it makes economic sense (Makes a lot of money). Abercrombie also says that genres permit the creation and maintenance of a loyal audience which becomes used to seeing programmes within a genre.
Lack of theory for Q1 + Q3 - revise narrative and genre. You also need to revise and practice applying reception theory - there are so many points that could be made for Vibe's oppositional reading but you don't make any of them.
2) Read the mark scheme for this assessment carefully. Identify at least one potential point that you missed out on for each question in the assessment.
One potential point that I have clearly missed for question 1 and throughout the exam is consistent use of high media terminology. I also need to work on doing detailed analysis on question 1 along with mentioning different theorists in my answer.
For question 2, one way I could've massively improved my answer is by expanding my answer and showing that I understand the question rather than waffling. I need to use media terminology in my answers so I am able to gain full marks.
3) Read this exemplar response from a previous Year 12 (a strong B grade). Identify at least one potential point that you missed out on for each question in the assessment.
One potential point I missed out for each question is that I didn't name the theorist. Naming the theorist and applying it to the question is crucial and that is something I missed out on each question.
4) Did you get any media terminology or theory wrong in the assessment? Make a note of it here for future revision, including theories/terminology that you could have used but didn't.
Some of the theories that I didn't use during the exam but I should've uses is Propp's character types and Barthes enigma codes.
5) Identify your strongest question. Why did you do better on this question? My strongest question in this exam was question 1.
This is because I mentions a theorist and clearly analysed the question whereas, the other questions I analysed weren't detailed enough and wasn't written sophisticated enough to achieve high marks.
6) Identify your weakest question. Why did you score lower on this particular task?
My weakest question in this exam was question 4. The reason I scored lower on this particular question is because I didn't stick to the timings and I ended up running out of time. To prevent this from happening I will need to practise doing exam papers in timed conditions.
7) Re-write your weakest answer in full. Use the mark scheme to identify anticipated content you can add to your response and make sure your typed re-draft is a top-level answer.
Genre is important for producers because otherwise the producers will not have a solid narrative or a target audience. Genre is extremely important so producers will also know what typical things to include e.g. for horror movies producers will use the typical dark lighting whereas, for comedy movies they'll use high-key lighting.
Genre is also extremely important for the audience otherwise the audience will not know what they are watching and they will not know what to expect e.g. for action films the audience would expect a fight whereas, for a comedy film they'd expect something to make them laugh.
REDRAFT:
Genre is important for audiences because it gives the audiences the expectation of the narrative, character plot and the content that is expected. The genre also can give audience pleasures e.g. when watching the trailer of a film, there are enigma and action codes. If there was no genre then the audience would not know what to expect which could potentially lead the film to fail.
Genre is important for producers because otherwise the producers will not have a solid narrative or a target audience. Genre is extremely important so producers will also know what typical things to include e.g. for horror movies producers will se the typical dark lighting whereas, for comedy movies they'll use high-key lighting. Genre allows the producers to evolve genre but maintain their audience.
Abercrombie suggests that television set out to exploit genre conventions as it makes economic sense (Makes a lot of money). Abercrombie also says that genres permit the creation and maintenance of a loyal audience which becomes used to seeing programmes within a genre.
Monday, 10 December 2018
Industries: Brand Values
1) Sum up the brand values in 100 words, making reference to Dyer’s lines of appeal.
The British Airways brand comes across rich and luxurious, prestigious and unique compared to other airlines. The brand values for British Airways are to always ensure high quality and lifestyle. British Airways fits into 3 of Dyer's lines of appeal: Successful careers, pilots earn a large salary and are able to travel worldwide because of their jobs. Rich, luxurious lifestyles. British Airways always provides high quality for their customers and is one of the world’s leading airlines. Glamorous places - British Airways travels to 75 countries with 200 destinations. British Airways is for people who have a high disposable income.
2) Distil the brand values into one sentence of no more than 10 words.
British Airways aims to provide high quality for their customers.
3) Sum up the brand in ONE word.
Perfection
1) Sum up the brand values in 100 words, making reference to Dyer’s lines of appeal.
Nike comes across as trendy and extremely comfortable. Nikes main priority is to ensure the their trainers as well as other clothing comes across as aesthetically pleasing. Nike fits into elite/expert: Nike makes their customers feel extremely special and prestigious by wearing their products. Nike often features products for athletes and athletes are presented as successful. This will make the customers feel special.
3) Sum up the brand in ONE word.
The British Airways brand comes across rich and luxurious, prestigious and unique compared to other airlines. The brand values for British Airways are to always ensure high quality and lifestyle. British Airways fits into 3 of Dyer's lines of appeal: Successful careers, pilots earn a large salary and are able to travel worldwide because of their jobs. Rich, luxurious lifestyles. British Airways always provides high quality for their customers and is one of the world’s leading airlines. Glamorous places - British Airways travels to 75 countries with 200 destinations. British Airways is for people who have a high disposable income.
2) Distil the brand values into one sentence of no more than 10 words.
British Airways aims to provide high quality for their customers.
3) Sum up the brand in ONE word.
Perfection
1) Sum up the brand values in 100 words, making reference to Dyer’s lines of appeal.
Nike comes across as trendy and extremely comfortable. Nikes main priority is to ensure the their trainers as well as other clothing comes across as aesthetically pleasing. Nike fits into elite/expert: Nike makes their customers feel extremely special and prestigious by wearing their products. Nike often features products for athletes and athletes are presented as successful. This will make the customers feel special.
2) Distil the brand values into one sentence of no more than 10 words.
Aiming to make customers feel special at all times.
3) Sum up the brand in ONE word.
Quality.
1) Sum up the brand values in 100 words, making reference to Dyer’s lines of appeal.
Apple is a brand that is innovative and creating new things and having the latest technology. Apple uses modern unique designs on their phone along with cool touches that shock their customers e.g. Touch ID, Face ID. Apple produces amazing quality iPhones and they make sure it is consistent as well as making sure they improve the iPhone with a brand new unique touch to it every year. Apple would fit into a numerous amount of Dyer's appeal such as Rich, Luxurious lifestyle and elite people.
2) Distil the brand values into one sentence of no more than 10 words.
Apple products will always be one step ahead of you.
3) Sum up the brand in ONE word.
Supremacy
Sunday, 9 December 2018
Public service broadcasting: blog task
1) How does the report suggest that TV viewing is changing? The report suggests that viewing habits for both young and old audiences are watching less TV than they used to. In this current generation there are only 85% of people watching TV.
2) What differences are highlighted between younger and older viewers? Viewers aged 65+ watched an average of 5 hours 44 minutes in 2016 whereas, 16-24 old watched an average of 1 hour 54 minutes
3) Does the report suggest audiences are satisfied with public service broadcasting TV channels? The report shows that there is still 85% of people watching public service broadcasting TV Channels despite the fact that the young generation have no interest and are using YouTube for entertainment purposes.
4) Public service broadcasting channels are a major aspect of the UK cultural industries. How much money did PSB channels spend on UK-originated content in 2016? Public Service Broadcasting channels spent £276M in 2016 on UK-originated content.
Goldsmiths report
Read this report from Goldsmiths University - A future for public service television: content and platforms in a digital world.
1) What does the report state has changed in the UK television market in the last 20 years?
The television sector has undergone huge changes over the past generation. The proliferation of channels has reduced the market share of the public service broadcasters – the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 – although they have largely retained their prominence and developed portfolio services. Sky has emerged as a major force, contributing to the success of pay television. New technology has facilitated on-demand access to television content, and created new services and platforms, while consumer behaviour has started to change rapidly, particularly among the young
2) Look at page 4. What are the principles that the report suggests need to be embedded in regulation of public service broadcasting in future?
Ofcom should supplement its occasional reviews of public service broadcasting with a regular qualitative audit of public service content in order to ensure that audiences are being served with high-quality and diverse programming. This should include detailed data on the representation and employment of minority groups and a comprehensive account of the changing consumption patterns of younger audiences.
3) What does the report say about the BBC?
The BBC is the most important part of the television ecology, but the model of universality underpinning its public service credentials is under threat. The BBC’s independence has also been compromised by the insecurity of its establishment by a royal charter and the process behind the appointments to its governing body. The BBC should continue to provide mixed programming and cater to all audiences as well as competing with other broadcasters to produce high quality programmes.
4) According to the report, how should the BBC be funded in future?
The government should hand over decision-making concerning the funding of the BBC to an independent advisory body that works on fixed settlement periods.
5) What does the report say about Channel 4?
Channel 4 occupies a critical place in the public service ecology – supporting the independent production sector and airing content aimed specifically at diverse audiences.
6) How should Channel 4 operate in future?
Channel 4 should significantly increase its provision for older children and young adults and restore some of the arts programming that has been in decline in recent years.
7) Look at page 10 - new kids on the block. What does the report say about new digital content providers and their link to public service broadcasting?
Television with the characteristics of public service broadcasting now appears outside the public service system: from Sky and other commercial broadcasters, on subscription video-on-demand services such as Netflix and Amazon, and through the new Local TV services.
Final questions - your opinion on public service broadcasting
1) Should the BBC retain its position as the UK’s public service broadcaster?
I think the BBC should not retain its position as the UK's public service broadcaster because it is providing mixed programming and cater to all audiences as well as competing with other broadcasters to produce high quality programmes.
2) Is there a role for the BBC in the 21st century digital world?
I think there will be a role for the BBC in the 21st century digital world but it won't be as big as it was in the past. In my opinion, I think it'll be most used for the latest news.
3) Should the BBC funding model (license fee) change? How?
They should keep the funding model the same.
2) What differences are highlighted between younger and older viewers? Viewers aged 65+ watched an average of 5 hours 44 minutes in 2016 whereas, 16-24 old watched an average of 1 hour 54 minutes
3) Does the report suggest audiences are satisfied with public service broadcasting TV channels? The report shows that there is still 85% of people watching public service broadcasting TV Channels despite the fact that the young generation have no interest and are using YouTube for entertainment purposes.
4) Public service broadcasting channels are a major aspect of the UK cultural industries. How much money did PSB channels spend on UK-originated content in 2016? Public Service Broadcasting channels spent £276M in 2016 on UK-originated content.
Goldsmiths report
Read this report from Goldsmiths University - A future for public service television: content and platforms in a digital world.
1) What does the report state has changed in the UK television market in the last 20 years?
The television sector has undergone huge changes over the past generation. The proliferation of channels has reduced the market share of the public service broadcasters – the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 – although they have largely retained their prominence and developed portfolio services. Sky has emerged as a major force, contributing to the success of pay television. New technology has facilitated on-demand access to television content, and created new services and platforms, while consumer behaviour has started to change rapidly, particularly among the young
2) Look at page 4. What are the principles that the report suggests need to be embedded in regulation of public service broadcasting in future?
Ofcom should supplement its occasional reviews of public service broadcasting with a regular qualitative audit of public service content in order to ensure that audiences are being served with high-quality and diverse programming. This should include detailed data on the representation and employment of minority groups and a comprehensive account of the changing consumption patterns of younger audiences.
3) What does the report say about the BBC?
The BBC is the most important part of the television ecology, but the model of universality underpinning its public service credentials is under threat. The BBC’s independence has also been compromised by the insecurity of its establishment by a royal charter and the process behind the appointments to its governing body. The BBC should continue to provide mixed programming and cater to all audiences as well as competing with other broadcasters to produce high quality programmes.
4) According to the report, how should the BBC be funded in future?
The government should hand over decision-making concerning the funding of the BBC to an independent advisory body that works on fixed settlement periods.
5) What does the report say about Channel 4?
Channel 4 occupies a critical place in the public service ecology – supporting the independent production sector and airing content aimed specifically at diverse audiences.
6) How should Channel 4 operate in future?
Channel 4 should significantly increase its provision for older children and young adults and restore some of the arts programming that has been in decline in recent years.
7) Look at page 10 - new kids on the block. What does the report say about new digital content providers and their link to public service broadcasting?
Television with the characteristics of public service broadcasting now appears outside the public service system: from Sky and other commercial broadcasters, on subscription video-on-demand services such as Netflix and Amazon, and through the new Local TV services.
Final questions - your opinion on public service broadcasting
1) Should the BBC retain its position as the UK’s public service broadcaster?
I think the BBC should not retain its position as the UK's public service broadcaster because it is providing mixed programming and cater to all audiences as well as competing with other broadcasters to produce high quality programmes.
2) Is there a role for the BBC in the 21st century digital world?
I think there will be a role for the BBC in the 21st century digital world but it won't be as big as it was in the past. In my opinion, I think it'll be most used for the latest news.
3) Should the BBC funding model (license fee) change? How?
They should keep the funding model the same.
Sunday, 2 December 2018
Industries: Ownership and control
1) Type up your research notes from the lesson - what did you find out about your allocated media conglomerate? Selection of companies: Alphabet, The Walt Disney Company, Comcast, 21st Century Fox, Facebook, Viacom, News Corp, Time Warner. If you were absent or don't have the notes, research any of the companies above and find examples of all the terminology outlined in the notes at the start of this blogpost.
Name of media conglomerate: News Corp
Conglomerate ownership: Best known for newspapers such as: The times, The sun and books such as: Harper Collins.
Vertical and horizontal integration: Horizontal - News corp reaches a wider audience because it owns a lot of newspapers (The Sun) and books such as The Wall Street Journal.
Vertical: News corp owns Harper Collin publisher which owns a number of small branches.
2) Do you agree that governments should prevent media conglomerates from becoming too dominant? Write an argument that looks at both sides of this debate.
Yes the government should prevent media conglomerated from becoming too dominant because if they become too dominant they'd be sharing their point of views for certain things e.g. a company might think brexit is a good thing for the UK so they'll share all the positive things and there will be no negatives shared.
Yes the government should prevent media conglomerated from becoming too dominant because if they become too dominant they'd be sharing their point of views for certain things e.g. a company might think brexit is a good thing for the UK so they'll share all the positive things and there will be no negatives shared.
Media Magazine 52 has a good feature on the changing relationship between audiences and institutions in the digital age. Go to our Media Magazine archive, click on MM52 and scroll to page 9 to read the article 'Two Key Concepts: The Relationship Between Audience and Institution'.
3) Briefly describe the production, promotion and distribution process for media companies.
Production provides audiences with the media products they want along with considering the desires it'll provide. The promotion process is when researchers identify target audience for the products by using advertising and marketing strategies to inform and persuade them. The distribution process uses the most appropriate method for getting the product to the audience.
Production provides audiences with the media products they want along with considering the desires it'll provide. The promotion process is when researchers identify target audience for the products by using advertising and marketing strategies to inform and persuade them. The distribution process uses the most appropriate method for getting the product to the audience.
4) What are the different funding models for media institutions?
ITV relies on income generated by advertisers. Sky One needs an income from subscribers and invests in programmes that attracts a loyal audience so they're more likely to invest in a long term subscription. The Mail Online receives more income the longer the reader stays on the site.
ITV relies on income generated by advertisers. Sky One needs an income from subscribers and invests in programmes that attracts a loyal audience so they're more likely to invest in a long term subscription. The Mail Online receives more income the longer the reader stays on the site.
5) The article gives a lot of examples of major media brands and companies. Choose three examples from the article and summarise what the writer is saying about each of them.
One of the major companies this article was talking about is Disney. Disney is known as a family friendly brand that focuses on children's entertainment. Disney also had a number of unique logos such as Walt Disney's signature, Mickey's ears to allow brand recognition. Another major company this article was talking about is Marvel. Marvel is associated with the superhero genre as the film production studio developed from its hugely popular original comic book publications. Marvel Studios is owned by Marvel Entertainment which is owned by The Walt Disney Company.
One of the major companies this article was talking about is Disney. Disney is known as a family friendly brand that focuses on children's entertainment. Disney also had a number of unique logos such as Walt Disney's signature, Mickey's ears to allow brand recognition. Another major company this article was talking about is Marvel. Marvel is associated with the superhero genre as the film production studio developed from its hugely popular original comic book publications. Marvel Studios is owned by Marvel Entertainment which is owned by The Walt Disney Company.
6) What examples are provided of the new business models media companies have had to adopt due to changes in technology and distribution?
The BBC is reconsidering its funding structure now on-demand viewing is becoming more popular.
Some online newspapers now require audiences to subscribe to access their content or provide premium content to those who pay for mobile apps.
Google now owns YouTube, and has revolutionised the way we access music and moving-image entertainment and information.
7) Re-read the section on 'The Future'. What examples are discussed of technology companies becoming major media institutions?
to find and attract an audience.
8) Do you agree with the view that traditional media institutions are struggling to survive?
Yes I agree, most people have the option to watch on-demand so they don't have to be watching the programme at a specific time. There are many services such as Netflix which allow the audience to watch as many episodes as they like at any time.
Yes I agree, most people have the option to watch on-demand so they don't have to be watching the programme at a specific time. There are many services such as Netflix which allow the audience to watch as many episodes as they like at any time.
9) How might diversification or vertical integration help companies to survive and thrive in a rapidly changing media landscape?
Diversification and vertical integration might help companies survive and thrive in a rapidly changing media landscape because it would let the company cover all aspects of the media and put it on one media product rather than having to do it one by one which could cause them to lose profits.
Diversification and vertical integration might help companies survive and thrive in a rapidly changing media landscape because it would let the company cover all aspects of the media and put it on one media product rather than having to do it one by one which could cause them to lose profits.
10) How do YOU see the relationship between audience and institution in the future? Will audiences gain increasing power or will the major global media conglomerates maintain their control?
In my opinion, I think audiences will gain power as they will have more power of what they decide to post online. An example is YouTube. YouTube allows people to create their own content and the YouTuber is allowed to share whatever view they'd like on a particular topic and they'd have power.
Monday, 26 November 2018
Narrative homework
1) Give an example from film or television that uses Todorov's narrative structure of equilibrium, disequilibrium and new equilibrium.
One film that uses Todorov's narrative structure of equilibrium is "Home Alone". The equilibrium of Home Alone is when the family is going on holiday however the night before Kevin gets in trouble and gets sent to the loft to sleep there for the night. The following morning the large family was in a rush as they are about to miss their flight so they were rushing to get ready and leave and Kevin was still fast asleep in the loft.
The family completely forgot about Kevin and went to the Airport and boarded the plane.
The disequilibrium is when the mother of Kevin realised that they had left him home when the plane was in the air and there was no going back. They panicked but there was nothing to do until they arrived in Paris. The new equilibrium is when the issue was sorted and the mother of Kevin was able to get to her son in time for Christmas and there was a happy ending.
2) Complete the activity on page 1 of the Factsheet: find a clip on YouTube of the opening of a new TV drama series (season 1, episode 1). Embed the clip in your blog and write an analysis of the narrative markers that help establish setting, character and plot.
3) Provide three different examples from film or television of characters that fit Propp's hero character role.
A example of Propp's character role is Vin Diesel. In Fast and Furious he is the protagonist.
Another example of Propp's character role is the Joker in Batman. The joker is the antagonist in this film.
The third example of Propp's characters role is Thanos is Infinity War. In Infinity War the antagonist is Thanos.
4) Give an example of a binary opposition. Villain/ Hero
5) What example is provided in the Factsheet for the way narratives can emphasise dominant ideologies and values? The example that is provided in the factsheet for the ways narratives can emphasise dominant ideologies and values is the series of Family Guy. In each episode of Family Guy the equilibrium is usually resolved at the end of each episode. Audiences can watch the episodes in any order and each episode starts with a new equilibrium and isn't related with the previous episodes narrative.
6) Why do enigma and action codes (Barthes) offer gratifications for audiences?
Enigma codes offer gratification for audiences because it is controlling how much the audiences see's and helps hold the audiences interest. Enigma codes also creates a mystery during the narrative so it makes the audience question what will happen as a result. For example, in a action movie someone might get kidnapped and the audience will be questioning: Will he/she be killed or be saved? Action codes offer gratification for audiences because it develops the narrative e.g. If a weapon is being used it may suggest that the narrative will be action/violent.
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7) Write a one-sentence summary of the four different types of TV narrative:
One film that uses Todorov's narrative structure of equilibrium is "Home Alone". The equilibrium of Home Alone is when the family is going on holiday however the night before Kevin gets in trouble and gets sent to the loft to sleep there for the night. The following morning the large family was in a rush as they are about to miss their flight so they were rushing to get ready and leave and Kevin was still fast asleep in the loft.
The family completely forgot about Kevin and went to the Airport and boarded the plane.
The disequilibrium is when the mother of Kevin realised that they had left him home when the plane was in the air and there was no going back. They panicked but there was nothing to do until they arrived in Paris. The new equilibrium is when the issue was sorted and the mother of Kevin was able to get to her son in time for Christmas and there was a happy ending.
2) Complete the activity on page 1 of the Factsheet: find a clip on YouTube of the opening of a new TV drama series (season 1, episode 1). Embed the clip in your blog and write an analysis of the narrative markers that help establish setting, character and plot.
3) Provide three different examples from film or television of characters that fit Propp's hero character role.
A example of Propp's character role is Vin Diesel. In Fast and Furious he is the protagonist.
Another example of Propp's character role is the Joker in Batman. The joker is the antagonist in this film.
The third example of Propp's characters role is Thanos is Infinity War. In Infinity War the antagonist is Thanos.
4) Give an example of a binary opposition. Villain/ Hero
5) What example is provided in the Factsheet for the way narratives can emphasise dominant ideologies and values? The example that is provided in the factsheet for the ways narratives can emphasise dominant ideologies and values is the series of Family Guy. In each episode of Family Guy the equilibrium is usually resolved at the end of each episode. Audiences can watch the episodes in any order and each episode starts with a new equilibrium and isn't related with the previous episodes narrative.
6) Why do enigma and action codes (Barthes) offer gratifications for audiences?
Enigma codes offer gratification for audiences because it is controlling how much the audiences see's and helps hold the audiences interest. Enigma codes also creates a mystery during the narrative so it makes the audience question what will happen as a result. For example, in a action movie someone might get kidnapped and the audience will be questioning: Will he/she be killed or be saved? Action codes offer gratification for audiences because it develops the narrative e.g. If a weapon is being used it may suggest that the narrative will be action/violent.
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7) Write a one-sentence summary of the four different types of TV narrative:
- Episodic narrative (the series) In the series of Stranger Things, William is on his way back home from his friends house however, something abnormal approaches him and takes him. Over the series it shows how the family and friends get William back from the abnormal creature.
- Overarching narrative (the serial) In The Flash, Barry uses his extremely fast speed to prevent crime and then towards the end of the serial, the audience gets to see whether Barry was successful or unsuccessful.
- Mixed narrative
- Multi-strand overlapping narrative (soap narrative) In Eastenders, Max and his daughters as they don't get along with their father and a huge fight kicks off whereas, Dot is concerned about her shop as she is being told to shut it down.
Sunday, 25 November 2018
Effects Debate Factsheet
1) Complete the questions in the first activity box (beginning with 'Do you play violent games? Are you violent in real life?') 1. Yes I do watch violent films however, I am not violent in real life. 2. Yes, advertisements of the latest iPhone made me want to buy it. 3. I have watched a countless amount of documentaries however, it hasn't drawn my attention to an issue which I feel strongly about.
2) What are the four categories for different effects theories? Direct effect theories, diffusion theories, indirect effect theories, and the pluralist approach.
3) What are the examples provided for the hypodermic needle theory - where media texts have been blamed for certain events?
The exampled provided for the hypodermic needle theory where media texts have been blamed for certain events is: 1.Child’s Play – The murder of Jamie Bulger 2.Marilyn Manson – The Columbine High School shootings 3.Natural Born Killers – a number of murders committed by
romantically linked couples. in one case, the director was sued
for inciting violence although the court case was later dismissed
4) What was the 1999 Columbine massacre? You may need to research this online in addition to the information on the factsheet. The 1999 Columbine massacre was when two twelve grade students named Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold murdered 12 students and 1 teacher. They injured 21 additional people with gunshots. This resulted in debates over gun control laws, bullying as well as moral panics over gun culture and social outcasts along with teenage internet use and violence in video games.
5) What are the reasons listed on the factsheet to possibly explain the Columbine High School massacre?
6) What does Gerbner's Cultivation theory suggest? Gerbner's Cultivation theory suggests that the media affects attitudes rather than behaviour. Gerbner's Cultivation theory also suggests that repeated exposure to certain ideas and values may make the audience less critical of the ideas presented as they appear normal.
7) How does this front page of the Daily Mail (from this week - Wednesday 16 November) link to Cultivation theory? The Mail Online version of the story is here.
Above the headline it says "Anti-age your neck, chin and decolletage" Next to this is a picture of a lady with a sharp jawline. This would make the audience think that people with a sharp jawline makes them look young. The more it get's advertised the more people will think to look young you'll need a sharp jawline. The main headline says "Under-5s glued to screens 4 hours each day". People often give their child the phone to watch YouTube video so they stop misbehaving however, as people keep seeing this happen they're starting to think this is normal but in reality this is affecting the child's mind development if they aren't physically doing anything.
8) What does the factsheet suggest about action films and the values and ideologies that are reinforced with regards to violence?
9) What criticisms of direct effect theories are suggested in the factsheet? One criticism is that the theory makes simplified judgements about the audience as the theory thinks they all respond the same towards the media.
10) Why might the 1970s sitcom Love Thy Neighbour be considered so controversial today? What does this tell us about Reception theory and how audiences create meanings? The 1970s sitcom Love Thy Neighbour is considered as so controversial today because it was extremely racist but was shown as comedy however, modern viewers now view it as racist and offensive. This tells us that reception theory is taking place and audiences create meanings by many factors e.g. race. In this case, the racist jokes might've been towards a particular race which might've been seen as normal in the 1970s but now it is wrong.
11) What examples are provided for Hall's theory of preferred, negotiated and oppositional readings?
Example of Hall's negotiated reading: A broad acceptance of the intended meaning but with
some personal modification
Example of Hall's oppositional reading: An oppositional reading of an understanding of the intended meaning but a rejection of it in favour of one created by the individual
12) Which audience theory do you think is most convincing? Why? It is important that you develop critical autonomy in judging the arguments for and against different theories and form your own opinion on these issues. In my opinion, the most convincing audience theory is the Cultivation theory. This is because it happens on a daily basis. People see something online and the more they see it the more desensitised they are becoming to it and are starting to think this is normal. This is a issue because some of the things we view online shouldn't become second nature to us and we should act upon it and take action.
2) What are the four categories for different effects theories? Direct effect theories, diffusion theories, indirect effect theories, and the pluralist approach.
3) What are the examples provided for the hypodermic needle theory - where media texts have been blamed for certain events?
The exampled provided for the hypodermic needle theory where media texts have been blamed for certain events is: 1.Child’s Play – The murder of Jamie Bulger 2.Marilyn Manson – The Columbine High School shootings 3.Natural Born Killers – a number of murders committed by
romantically linked couples. in one case, the director was sued
for inciting violence although the court case was later dismissed
4) What was the 1999 Columbine massacre? You may need to research this online in addition to the information on the factsheet. The 1999 Columbine massacre was when two twelve grade students named Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold murdered 12 students and 1 teacher. They injured 21 additional people with gunshots. This resulted in debates over gun control laws, bullying as well as moral panics over gun culture and social outcasts along with teenage internet use and violence in video games.
5) What are the reasons listed on the factsheet to possibly explain the Columbine High School massacre?
6) What does Gerbner's Cultivation theory suggest? Gerbner's Cultivation theory suggests that the media affects attitudes rather than behaviour. Gerbner's Cultivation theory also suggests that repeated exposure to certain ideas and values may make the audience less critical of the ideas presented as they appear normal.
7) How does this front page of the Daily Mail (from this week - Wednesday 16 November) link to Cultivation theory? The Mail Online version of the story is here.
Above the headline it says "Anti-age your neck, chin and decolletage" Next to this is a picture of a lady with a sharp jawline. This would make the audience think that people with a sharp jawline makes them look young. The more it get's advertised the more people will think to look young you'll need a sharp jawline. The main headline says "Under-5s glued to screens 4 hours each day". People often give their child the phone to watch YouTube video so they stop misbehaving however, as people keep seeing this happen they're starting to think this is normal but in reality this is affecting the child's mind development if they aren't physically doing anything.8) What does the factsheet suggest about action films and the values and ideologies that are reinforced with regards to violence?
9) What criticisms of direct effect theories are suggested in the factsheet? One criticism is that the theory makes simplified judgements about the audience as the theory thinks they all respond the same towards the media.
10) Why might the 1970s sitcom Love Thy Neighbour be considered so controversial today? What does this tell us about Reception theory and how audiences create meanings? The 1970s sitcom Love Thy Neighbour is considered as so controversial today because it was extremely racist but was shown as comedy however, modern viewers now view it as racist and offensive. This tells us that reception theory is taking place and audiences create meanings by many factors e.g. race. In this case, the racist jokes might've been towards a particular race which might've been seen as normal in the 1970s but now it is wrong.
11) What examples are provided for Hall's theory of preferred, negotiated and oppositional readings?
Example of Hall's negotiated reading: A broad acceptance of the intended meaning but with
some personal modification
Example of Hall's oppositional reading: An oppositional reading of an understanding of the intended meaning but a rejection of it in favour of one created by the individual
12) Which audience theory do you think is most convincing? Why? It is important that you develop critical autonomy in judging the arguments for and against different theories and form your own opinion on these issues. In my opinion, the most convincing audience theory is the Cultivation theory. This is because it happens on a daily basis. People see something online and the more they see it the more desensitised they are becoming to it and are starting to think this is normal. This is a issue because some of the things we view online shouldn't become second nature to us and we should act upon it and take action.
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