Audience Theories

Audience Theories

·         Audience- who watches it and who it’s aimed at

·         Surveys

·         See what people are interested in watching

It’s hard to find a target audience because of the various types of media and genres and when people watch it (cinema or at home)

What Types of Audience?

Mass audience- large audiences, broad and wide, consume mainstream popular texts. E.g. the audience for Eastenders or a Premier league football match

Niche audience- small but very influential. Often very dedicated and loyal (often targeted by advertisers). E.g. BBC four is aimed at a niche audience.

Uses and Gratifications of media

·         Diversion and escapism- to escape from everyday life

·         Personal relationships- going to something because your mates are going

·         Personal identity- create their own identity from characters/celebrities

·         Entertainment- as a means of relaxation, enjoyment and emotional release

·         Surveillance- to gain knowledge and information

Media producers have always been interested in:

-          What effect a media product has on an audience?

-          What the audience ‘does’ with a media product?

-          What the audience want from it and how to target that ‘want’

 Sam's work