Target Audience
The world of media is extremely competitive, and every product is designed for a specific group of people. These groups would be classed as the target, or primary, audience. If no one is interested in it, the message won’t reach anyone, and if it’s made to make money, it won’t be profitable.
Media producers study their audience carefully to understand what they like and use that information to make content that grabs their attention.
Demographics
Producers identify and group their audience using demographic information. This means sorting people into categories based on factors like age, gender, income, education, and job type.
Letter codes such as A, B, C1, C2, D and E are often used to define the different groups:
Group A: Higher Professionals
e.g. Doctors, CEOs, Judges, University Professors
Group B: Middle Management Professionals
e.g. Teachers, Engineers, Accountants, Marketing Managers
Group C1: Skilled Office Workers
e.g. Office Administrators, Police Officers, Nurses, Retail Managers
Group C1: Skilled Manual Workers
e.g. Electricians, Plumbers, Carpenters, Mechanics
Group D: Semi-Skilled and Unskilled Workers
e.g. Cleaners, Warehouse Workers, Delivery Drivers, Bar Staff
Group E: Unemployed/Low Income
e.g. Pensioners, Students, Casual Workers, People on Benefits