Lesson 7: Audience Consumption
Media consumption is about the audience taking in the media. This can be through watching, reading and/or listening to a media product. For this lesson we are considering the audience and the different conditions we are able to consume the media. For this task you will need to think about the way in which YOU consume media products and how this affects your enjoyment.
Create a blog post titled 'Media Consumption' answering the questions below in full sentences.
1. Identify 4 examples of media products and platforms that you prefer to consume in a group
e.g. watching films at the cinema.
2. For each example explain what you find enjoyable about consuming the media product in a group.
3. What disadvantages are there?
4. Identify 4 examples of media products and platforms that you consume on your own
e.g. watching films on DVD
5. What are the benefits of being able to consume these products on your own?
6. What disadvantages are there?
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Homework:
Target Audiences
All media products are created with a target group in mind. The media producer will always think about the characteristics, likes and dislikes of the target audience when creating a media product so they will be more successful in creating a media product that is appealing to that group. Sometimes media products will be aimed at a primary target group and a secondary target group. In these instances the likes and dislikes of the primary group will be considered in addition to the likes and dislikes of the secondary group. However, in this instance the primary group's likes and dislikes would be most important.
With this in mind take a look at this TV advert. When thinking about the audience we can assume it is aimed at girls and boys aged 4-10 . There are a number of clues within the advert that tells us this. Can you think of any? This advert is also aimed at parents. They are the secondary audience. We know this because we are told that Coco Pops are also nutritious. This information would not be important to the primary audience- children, but this would be important for parents.
Now look at the front cover of this magazine.
This magazine is aimed at a group of people with a very strong interest in music. This is clear as all of the cover-lines on the cover include references to a variety of current music groups/artists. The age group of this target audience is likely to be 18 and above, males and females. The secondary audience for this magazine could be Cheryl Cole fans. This can be assumed because she is the central focus of this magazine, shown through the large image of her and also her name that has been added in large text at the bottom. Although Cheryl Cole fans might not usually buy this magazine, they may be attracted to the magazine upon noticing she has been featured in this edition.
Now find your own examples..............
Create a blog post titled ' Target Audiences'. Find an example of a television programme, computer game, TV advert and a film poster. You will then answer the following questions for each one:
1. Who is the primary target audience? Consider age, gender, and interests
2. How do you know? Use specific examples to support your point
3. Who is the secondary target audience?
4. How do you know?
Due by your next lesson with Morvelisa
