Level 2 Media Studies: ‘Audience’ – Examination Feedback

1. Level 2 Media Studies: ‘Audience’ – Examination Feedback

2. You have a pretty good fundamental knowledge of the media product and its contents. Well done! Our understandings of how these contents appeal to the target audience, our use of specific detail and implications are all still developing. That’s okay. We all have work to do and enough time to do it in.

3. So, let’s get started… Here are a few things most of us could improve upon: Our Introductions: ~ define the target audience: 10-39 year old males and females And within that target group, a special emphasis upon teenagers (particularly female), teachers, young couples and young parents…

4. These kind of people…. Maybe not these kids….

5. ~ outline the scope of the essay: * the types of appeals that you’ll be referring to (eg internal) * the features of that appeal eg characters, issues, music ~ you could also add some interesting material such as weekly viewership (approx. 10 million viewers per week in the United States) or how many seasons it has been running (4) or where/when it screens in NZ ( Wednesday 7:30 on Four)

7. Paragraphs: ~ Always begin with a topic sentence that reveals the scope of your paragraph e.g. ‘Characters are an effective internal appeal to the target audience…’ Then introduce them: e.g. Rachel Berry is a talented, driven 15 year old (?), who in her eyes is destined for fame, and somewhat of a social outcast. Link that character to the target audience and say whythey appeal to that audience.

9. Then go on to describe the characters in specific depth. This is vital. Refer to the specific episode where they did something typical to their behaviour eg Rachel acts like a prima donna in Episode 1 when…, Puck bullies someone in Episode whenever because…, Will gives up on his dreams… (p.s. Will is an excellent character to use to link to the older audience members… moral centre, adult issues, dreams etc.)

10. When discussing Issues, make sure you are not just describing how those issues are dealt with on the show (go into specific detail- reference events in episodes), but link them to the audience in depth. For example, the audience will identify with issues/characters and tune in to see how they deal with their issues for possibly: ~ reassurance that the issue can be dealt with ~ security in knowing that not only they are facing that issue ~ implied advice about how to deal with that issue themselves

11. Arguably, shows like Glee are raising awareness of these issues and presenting them in a manner which allows the audience to see these people as ‘normal’ or similar to themselves. This can lead to acceptance and tolerance of people in their lives.

12. Music: Discuss the use of specific songs- their titles, artists, genres, dates released, sources (eg the name of the show/film/musical they’re from) – and the part of the audience they are targeted towards/ why the audience would respond to them. Discuss why they have been used at that particular point, e.g. to reveal character/ thematically/ narratively. Discuss the television show’s commitment to introducing its audience to music, new and old. Introduce the implication of how Glee has become a successful marketing platform for music companies wanting to launch new music. And how Glee has successfully sold millions of their own cover albums, making Glee an important player in the music industry.

13. Implications: Programming renewal- Into its 4th Season First season extended from 13 to 24(?) episodes based on its success Attraction of celebrity guests Identity forming - Gleeks (leading to expansion of franchise into different media) Merchandising to affirm identity (also free advertising/promotion Fandoms on Tumblr, Groups on Facebook – allow producers personal access to fans The Glee Project giving fans an opportunity to be part of the show Downloads on iTunes (both of originals and Glee versions of songs) DVD sets and Glee Concert Movie