Age and Gender
TV shows are often made for different age groups to make the content easier to understand and enjoy. For example, Newsround on CBBC is aimed at children, typically aged 6 to 12. It shares the news in a simple and clear way, using pictures and words that young people can understand. It talks about important topics but in a way that is engaging for that age group.
BBC Newsnight is aimed at adults aged 18 and over. It talks about the news in detail, with explanations and expert opinions. The language is more formal, and the stories are more complicated, helping adults learn more about what’s happening in the world.
It is possible that Newsround may get some older viewers and Newsnight may get younger viewers. In this case, those viewers would be classed as a secondary audience . However, both programmes are primarily targeted at a defined age group.
Purpose of Media Products
Audience uses and gratifications theory says that audiences use media products because they get something from it that they want (gratification). Audiences can be made to feel more involved with media products if there is an element of interaction, such as online voting or consumer-generated content.
- Information, such as from a news broadcast or documentary.
- Entertainment, e.g. an action or comedy film.
- Escapism, e.g. becoming immersed in a book or genre.
- Personal Identity, e.g. users compare themselves or identify with the characters.
- Social Interaction, by consuming as part of a group, either in person or online.
Audience Responses
This is how audiences understand and interpret media, like TV shows, movies, adverts, and news. Everyone sees things differently based on their own experiences, beliefs, and feelings. There are three main ways people might interpret media:
- Preferred Reading is when the audience understands and agrees with what the media is trying to say. This type of consumer would be known as a passive audience. Example
- Negotiated Reading is when the audience understands the message but has their own opinion. They might agree with some parts but disagree with others. This type of consumer would be known as an active audience. Example
- Oppositional Reading is when the audience understands the message but completely disagrees with it. This type of consumer would also be known as an active audience. Example