Knowledge organisers

representations 

Definition: How media texts construct and portray versions of reality.

Key Concepts: Stereotypes: Over-simplified representations.

Countertypes: Positive representations that challenge stereotypes.

Ideology: Dominant ideas and values in society.

Theories: Stuart Hall - Representation: Media language is used to create representations.

Examples: Consider gender, ethnicity, age, and social class in media texts.

Audiences

Definition: The group of people who consume media texts.

Key Concepts: Target Audience: Specific group a media text is aimed at.

Reception Theory: How audiences interpret media texts.

Theories:  Stuart Hall - Reception Theory: Dominant, negotiated, and oppositional readings.

Bandura - Social Learning Theory: Audiences learn behaviours through media.

Examples: Audience responses to news, film, and social media.

Industries

Definition: The companies and institutions that produce and distribute media texts.

Key Concepts: 

Conglomeration: Media companies merging.

Vertical Integration: Owning production and distribution.

 Horizontal Integration: Owning similar companies.

Theories: Curran and Seaton - Power and Media Industries: Media is controlled by a few powerful companies.

Hesmondhalgh - Cultural Industries: Media companies minimize risk and maximize profit.

Examples: Film studios, television networks, and digital platforms.

Language

Definition: The technical and symbolic codes used to create meaning in media texts.

Key Concepts:

Mise-en-scene: Arrangement of elements in a scene.

    *   Cinematography: Camera techniques.

    *   Editing: Assembling shots.

    *   Sound: Audio elements.

    *   Narrative: Storytelling structure.

Examples: Analysing film trailers, music videos, and advertisements.