AO4. Discuss the effect of representation in media products on target audiences/ consumers.

Representation of certain groups or individuals.

Individual people are often represented badly in the media depending on the situation it is and how much power they have. A good example is the football managers, if he is in the wrong then he is normally slandered in the most ways possible.

As you can see from the source to the left, the article about football is large on the front page, as apposed to being on the back or maybe further into the paper.




Social groups vary on how they are represented mostly on films and soap operas. If represented badly then it can then reflect on those groups. For example the Democrats could be represented badly on the news on television with accusations that they haven't made, when they deny these it normally conspires in argument and debate.

Social issues are normally slipped into soap operas to result in entertainment, things like racism, sexism or violence are normally used. For example, in Eastenders there was conflict between a character named 'Denise' and a character named 'Phil' debating on whether he was racist towards her, and this lasted at least 4 episodes.

Places are normally represented in textual media and is most of the time true they depict what the area is like and how most of us think of it. For example, Croydon has been seen badly due to the riots on the 8th August 2011, this has now lead to Croydon not receiving as much funds as it would normally.

Stereotypes often consist of races, cultures, sexuality, or sub-culture. It is normally shown in soaps and puts an image into all of our heads of what the rest of 'them' are like as well. For example, in Eastenders the character named 'Christian' is a homosexual, he acts feminine at times and is muscle bound. This gives us an image of what homosexuals are like unless you do know one of course, but this apples to what country you're from, what music you like or how you live your life.

Meaning created in effects

The way you present your work through the editing stage using effects can dramatically change how the piece is interpreted. Fop example,


Trends in consumption

Over the years there has been many family soaps before the watershed. Recently there has been a lot of spin off soaps. One for example is Hollyoaks Extra, this is similar to the original show but it deals with other, more serious issues such as sex, drugs and murder.

Influences on individuals/ mass audiences

Individuals and larger audiences are affected by the upcoming spin off shows that have been affecting the nations youth. Shows like E20 have been aired to let the youthful community have their opinions shared and an insight into what it is like to be a teenager in that area. E20 is a spin off from Eastenders, taking away the adult issues and filling them in with issues youths would face

Positive Effects

There are positive effects that occur in media. For example, a actor/actress who appeals to certain audiences will result the viewers aspiring them as role-models (therefore changing their moral aspects).

This can also be interpreted into the newspaper. If someone has done a good deed in the newspaper, it can  rub off onto people within the audience that reads that certain newspaper.

Negative Effects

A good example of a negative effect is copycat violence. This is when a person has been in the newspaper or on a television show and has been doing violent things, then a viewer has been imitating said person. Worst cases of this involve mass homicide, domestic abuse and riots.

Passive/ active audience

A passive audience is a audience that will only watch and will not respond in letters or interact with the show or newspaper.
An active audience is the opposite to a passive one, they will write into the companies to give contructive feedback and will use any interactive services to get in touch.

Theories

Theories can have a great impact on peoples views and beliefs. For example, string theory is the belief that  electrons and quarks within an atom are made out of one dimensional strings. This theory has sparked controversy between particle physicists and all because of a simple theory. A well backed up theory can instantly change someones mind and are normally found within newspapers, magazines and mostly documentaries.