Audience: Audience theory tasks

Hypodermic needle model

1) How does this article link to the hypodermic needle model?

The article links to the ''hypodermic needle '' theory as it suggests that playing violent video games ''over a three-day period is enough to increase aggressive behavior''. This suggests that newspapers such as the ''Daily Mail'', ''inject'' inaccurate information so that readers become concerned over certain issues. This controversy sparks the attention of a passive audience, which makes them believe the information they are told is true. 

2) How does coverage of the Talk Talk hacking case link to the hypodermic needle model? Why might someone criticize this front page? 

The positioning of the title and headline suggest that teenagers who are ''addicted'' to ''violent video games'' are likely to become hackers. This links to the hypodermic needle model as readers are convinced that this in fact is true, which can lead to controversy over whether or not teenagers should play ''violent video games''. 

Two-step flow model

1) Summarise the two-step flow model. In your opinion, is the two-step flow theory still relevant today?

The two step flow model shows that media is first recognized by ''opinion leaders'', who then influence individuals (or a particular audience)  as they are encouraged to support that opinion. I think this is still relevant today as there are many famous figures that are likely to influence us especially when there are several sources of media available everywhere. We are somehow subjected to support an ''opinion leader's'' judgement as we feel that they relate to us, which then reassures us that our opinion is right.  

2) How does this Youtube blogger fit into the two-step flow model?

''TotalBiscuit'' fits into the two step flow model as his videos consist of him reacting to certain things e.g video games or food from all over the world. For example his video ''TotalBiscuit tastes Greece'' may make his viewers think that Greek food is not that good as he does not like it. This reaction then influences the opinions of the audience who may change their judgement because of him- his viewers may never want to try Greek food. Therefore he becomes the ''opinion leader'', while the audience are influenced by his opinion,

3) How this this Telegraph article on influential tweeters fit the two-step flow model?

The article shows a list of Britain's most influential tweeters, with the top position being given to Liam Payne from One direction (who has 12.3m followers), This suggests that celebrities are able to influence the opinions of the public due to their own beliefs. One Direction followers are subjected to support their opinion just because are popular and ''connect'' with them. Therefore this links to the two step flow model as they are the ''opinion leaders'' who are able to alter the views of an audience.
4) Read this BBC profile of Jamal Edwards. How does Jamal Edwards link to the two-step flow model?

The article links to the two step flow model as it shows us that Jamal Edwards is also another ''opinion leader'' as his achievements have made him very influential Since he is the founder of SBTV, a young audience will most likely be influenced by his decisions. Being a British celebrity, who was once an ''amateur film-maker'', he becomes a role model to the younger demographic, who believe that his opinions are important due to his success. This reassures a young audience that they can also be successful.

Uses and Gratifications theory

1) For each of the four categories, write about one media text that fits that particular audience use or pleasure. Make sure you explain WHY it fits the category and use images or clips to illustrate your points.

1) Identify- Beyonce

Beyonce is seen as a role model to a very large audience as her music, and beliefs in general, express certain ideas that people can identify with. She is known to promote ideas about the empowerment of women, body image, equality etc. This therefore fits into the two step flow model as her achievements influence a particular audience and can change their judgement on certain issues. 

2) Educate

Bear grylls born survivor is an educational and entertaining TV show that shows us suitable ways of surviving in the harshest climates. Grylls teaches us vital skills e.g starting a fire that is important if you are ever end up in a similar situation. The show gives us a sense of security and confidence through the knowledge of these survival tactics. It can also be entertaining as its interesting to find out about the world. 

3) Entertain- Modern Family 

Modern family is an example of a TV show that most people can relate to. The different scenarios  and situations that the families in the show end up in are both funny and relatable. Some scenes may even affect us emotionally. These types of TV shows allow us to be diverted from our own problems temporarily as well as being a souce of entertainment or a ''time filler''.

4) Social interaction

Countdown is a popular British game show that allows the audience to play along and find words before the contestants do. This gives people a sense of belonging as it appears as if they are participating. Also given that they get most of the answers correct it would boost their confidence and also be the basis of a conversation. Additionally it allows us to connect with our family and friends.

Audience: Psychographic profilling

Presentation: Strugglers

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B9Oq2QuGbYq-MXd4aWx0TFVxcW8

Narrative blog task

Film- Inside Man (2006)

In this scene there are several enigma codes (Barthes) e.g the identities of the characters in the white jumpsuits, and also how the robbers intend to get away with the crime. These elements make the movie compelling and suspenseful. Interestingly, the rabbi's character also becomes an enigma, as he was the only one that was standing when the hostages were told to get down. This could possibly suggest to the audience that the rabbi may have an important role in the following scenes e.g being the hero. There are also several action codes (Barthes) in this scene e.g the specific arrangement of the flashlights (onto the cameras) reveals to the audience that a robbery is about to take place. After this does occur the robbers pull their guns out- this again is another action code as it shows us that the robbers are going to use violence to threaten the people in the bank. 

Todorov's theory of equilibrium is also partially used in this scene. In the beginning, the character walks into the bank, which looks quite busy- this is the existing equilibrium. This is then interrupted by the disequilibrium as the robbers pull their guns out. However a new equilibrium does not replace this as the clip shows that the robbery continues even with the presence of the police officer. 

Propp's character theory can also be applied to this scene as there are many characters that are involved. The audience would assume that the ''villains'' are the robbers, however the narrative makes them appear to be the ''heroes'' as the movie follows the story of how a group of robbers get away with ''the perfect robbery''. Therefore the ''helpers'' would be the people in the bank as they are used to help the robbery carry out the robbery. 

TV Show- The Flash S2 

In this clip, the existing equilibrium (Todorov) seems to be the discussion in the beginning where the characters are discussing the possibility of one of the characters being a villain. This is then disrupted by the disequilibrium which occurs when one of the characters finds out that the suspect is in fact the villain. The new equilibrium however is unclear as we do not know what ''The Flash'' is going to do. 

Propp's character theory is also shown in this clip as the ''villain'' is the suspected character, ''Zoom''. However this character could also be ''The False Hero'' as he appeared to be close with the protagonists in the narrative, however in this scene, he is revealed to be the antagonist.

There are also many enigma codes (Barthes) that make the scene more intriguing. For example the discussions between the characters make the audience wonder whether or not ''Jay'' is the shows villain ''Zoom''. Towards the end, the ''resolution'' of the story is an enigma as the audience do not know what the protagonist intends to do. There are also several action codes that suggest that the protagonists are going to be involved in some sort of conflict with the villain. For example when the protagonist smashes the glass box containing an item that relates to the villain, the audience immediately assume that the main enigma in the narrative is going to be proven (''Jay'' is in fact the villain). Also when this is revealed when he takes off his mask ( action code) the audience are aware of the clear binary opposition in the narrative. 

Music Video- ''She Knows'' by J Cole 

In the beginning there are several enigma and action codes (Barthes) which make the characters seem mysterious. For example, the audience are unsure of why the main character is stealing money. Also when the character's mother looks at him through the rear view mirror, the audience are already suspicious of her, which makes her role in the narrative an enigma also. Other action codes such as the teenagers smoking and drinking suggests that they are going to be caught at some point in the narrative. Finally towards the end there is another enigma code as the audience do not know whether the father knows about his wife's infidelity, however judging by the facial expressions, the audience assume that there will be some sort of conflict. 

Todorov's theory of equilibrium is used cleverly in this clip as the narrative structure appears to be a multi strand narrative. The first narrative revolves around the teenagers, in which the existing equilibrium is when they hang out together. The disequilibrium is when the they get caught by the cop, which is then resolved when they escape (which becomes the new equilibrium). The second narrative follows the infidelity of the character's mother. The equilibrium could be that she appeared to be acting normal in the beginning by performing motherly duties e.g dropping her son off at school. Then the disequilibrium occurs when her son catches her cheating. The new equilibrium then takes place at the dinner table, however we are unsure of whether or not the father knows, which leaves the resolution of the narrative an enigma. 

In the first narrative the ''hero'' is the main character ''Kyle'', who is assisted by '' the ''helper'' who is his friend. The ''villain'' therefore is the cop who catches them loitering and drinking. In the second narrative the ''false hero'' is the mother, and the ''villain'' is the man she is sleeping with. Interestingly, the ''hero'' turns out to be ''Kyle'' as he does not reveal the secret of his mothers infidelity to his father.  

Brand values: 100-10-1

Nike 

1) Nike targets a younger demographic to motivate and encourage teenagers to adapt to a more active lifestyle. Their huge array of products vary according to the performance and the physique of the consumer, which also suggest that Nike is able to target a large number of people whether or not they are involved in any sort of sport. However the quality of their products also attracts others in terms of fashion appeal; this therefore makes Nike fit into some of Dyer’s lines of appeal: successful careers/elite people – aspiring athletes are subjected to Nike’s use of celebrities in their famous adverts.

2) Nike is about quality in terms of performance and fashion.

3) Performance

Premier League
1) The premier league targets a largely male demographic, with people of all ages. It unites millions of football fans all over the world, which links to some of Dyer’s lines of appeal such as: history and culture- football is known to bring many people together in terms of supporting the same teams or competing against others- the premier league includes some of the most famous teams in the world. It could also link to self importance and pride as football fans in general are known to show passion and pride towards their teams. Also it could link to successful careers.

2) The premier league is all about competing for the title.

3) Competitive

9gag
1) 9gag targets a younger demographic as it posts humorous as well as informative content, most of them being ‘’memes’’ that appeal to teenagers. This would therefore place 9gag in the category of comedy and humor in terms of Dyers lines of appeal. Their posts consist of things that many people would relate to – these are usually referred to ‘’third world problems’’.  This sense of community among users links to one of Dyer’s groups: happy families- everyone wants to belong. However it’s known to include content that appeals to older audiences, as some posts can trigger childhood memories e.g ‘’SpongeBob memes’’.

2) 9gag appeals to a global audience as its relatable  

3) Relatable

The National Trust

1) The National Trust appeals to an older audience, who are interested in nature and want to preserve and respect the environment. This therefore makes the brand fit into the ‘nature and natural world’’ category in Dyer’s lines of appeal. Their charities also attract a large group of people who also want to protect the environment. This could make the national trust fit into another one of Dyers categories: happy families- everyone wants to belong- the gathering of ‘’nature lovers’’ gives the brand a sense of community. It could also link to ‘’art, culture and history’’ as it was created in 1895.

2) The National Trust aims to protect and preserve the environment. 

3) Preservation 

Tom Ford 

1) The Tom Ford brand targets an upper class, professional group of people. It appeals to both gender groups as its products range from cosmetics/perfumes to clothing (mainly suits). Their products are very expensive as the brand is usually associated with celebrities. This immediately places the brand into one of Dyers lines of appeal which is rich, luxurious lifestyles as consumers would feel superior in a way, if they buy Tom Ford products. They also use attractive women and men to promote the brand which also links to the use of ‘’beauty/ beautiful women’’.This is also reflected in there hypersexualised adverts.

2) The Tom Ford brand combines both professionalism and luxurious lifestyles.

3) Luxury