Media Theory Research

 INTRODUCTION: In this post I will be undertaking some research, looking at the way a wide variety of media theories can be applied to differing media texts. As a result, I will have the ability to make an initial decision in terms of which media theory I will be likely using in the production of my main text. This research will aid me to obtain a clear collective of beliefs, views and opinions, those which I will be projecting to my intended audience. These will be evident in both of the outstanding media products, but will also allow consumers to build their own opinions and interpretations on each significant piece. Alongside this, I will ensure that all individuals still have the ability to understand the carefully constructed messages I intend to communicate with each cover. My aim is to create a pair of media products that inform my audience of two conflicted subjects matters, those which will provoke a sense of 'reflection', making readers open to 'change' or 'evaluate' their views and perspectives; the cultivation of public opinion will ensure that I maintain an active audience. 

TASK 1: How is media theory used in two media products and how these make the text appealing to an intended audience?

• highlight media theories being used in these set products

Mind Map created by Maria Gomes with GoConqr

Mind Map created by Maria Gomes with GoConqr

CONCLUSION: 

Hall's Reception Theory: The news is expected to obtain a non-biased, factual and trustworthy reputation, therefore, if a media text is perceived to be 'real', it may be more influencial in comparison to another. Hall's reception theory, introduces an oppsitional, preferred, and negotiated reading all which aid us to understand the ways in which a media audience can interpret and consume a given media text. 

• Oppositional Reading: The audience completely rejects the product's message 
• Negotiated Reading: The audience is aware of the producer's intentions and what they want it to think, and knows that this may be an untruthful representation - the audience forms an opinion which is a combination of both its own perspective and that of the producers (these are active audiences)
• Preferred Reading: Here the audience  responds to the product the way the media producers want, without questioning (these are passive audiences)

By developing a 'Let Us Know Your Opinion' feature, accessible to all mobile website users, I aim to obtain an active audience; by allowing all individuals to share their views and opinions on the outstanding media text, I will have the abilty to identify those whom acquire opposing views, as well as individuals open to discoursing the subject matter at hand, due to a common interest. Alongside, I will be incorporating paywalls, where readers who enjoy weekly given content, have the ability to purchase an 'online subscription' offering exclusive content, limited to those who join. 

Bell Hook's Media Representation Theory: Bell Hook is an individual whom doesn't identify herself by her name; she believes that Feminism is a struggle to fight for equality against a patriarchal society. Bell states that it's not just a lifestyle but one needs to keep politically active, alongside this she belives women are not descriminated in the same way, instead it depends on social class, ethnicity and culture. 

I intend to include a representative of a young age, idealy a young boy aged between 5 and 7; when adding a masthead and subheading to my COVID-19 magazine, I will not be informing my audience of his identity (i.e. his name), alike Bell Hook, the representative will not be identified by his name, as the young child reprsents all children across the nation affected by coronavirus.

Barthe's Semiotics Theory: His work focuses on the study of signs, here signs refer to something that conveys meaning, for example, spoken words or symbols. Semiotics is the way our actions and thoughts are governed by a set of cultural messages (signs) - these thoughts depend on our ability to interpret them instantly. 

I aim to imbed elements of  Barthe's Semiotics Theory within my website, and evidence 'signs' via text. An exmaple of this may be 'UNCONCENTED Silence' - here I create emphasis on the verb 'unconcented' through the use of all caps. By doing this, the reader will be alarmed and concerned due to its known negative connotations of invasion, lack of permission, abuse and crime. This is because of ideologies and cultural messages raised round the word 'unconcented'; concequently individuals tend to interpret and respond in a disapproving manner regarding the serious subject matter of sexual harassement.