Week 1 - Homework

 

 

Media Products & Audiences

Week 1 Homework

 

 

1. Write a detailed definition on what codes & conventions are

-  Codes are systems of signs that are used to communicate meaning. We can interpret this in many ways such as the way someone is feeling or the way something is being used. Conventions are the accepted ways of doing things and thing that you would expect to see in a media product. Such as when reading a magazine, you are able to identify the common features that it consists.

 

2. Identify the codes and conventions for the following media products including examples of each product

- Radio: The codes that are associated with radio is usually speech, because this is the way the words are spoken & music as it also a code as it sets the mood and tone. The conventions that are associated with radio is the fact that there is a lot of narrative & direct speech, due to there not being any visual representation as to what is being spoken about, they will have to rely on the narrators to explain the topic they are talking about. e.g. Capital FM.

 

- Magazine: The conventions that are related with magazines are the front cover image, they would usually add an image of an individual that is known, in order to try and get the audiences attention. The codes usually include the title of the magazine, this is usually the largest and boldest so as an audience we identify what the magazine is called. The cover line is also at the front, this is used to catch the readers attention as the writers like to keep it short, simple and eye catchy. e.g. Vogue.

 

- Audio-Visual Media (Film & TV) : The conventions that are connected when it comes to audio visual media is the genre of the film or TV series, so for example, if I was to watch a comedy film or series, I would expect there to laugh and be happy because that is the target for the writers. The codes that are associated with this are that they would use the characters to present the comedy. So, in a comedy film or series there would usually be a contrast between 'normal' individuals and the 'silly' individuals & they would just be acting they are on a daily basis but as an audience we interpret it as it being humorous. e.g. F.R.I.E.N.D.S


3. Analyse a magazine cover of your choice demonstrating how the use of codes and conventions communicates a message to the target audience

Masthead: This is usually the name of the magazine. In this case this magazine is called 'pride'. Pride is defined as a deep feeling of pleasure or satisfaction.
Cover Image: usually have celebrities on the front cover of a magazine, in order to get the audience's attention. The picture also reflects the masthead, as the magazine is called 'Pride' , in the image Nicole looks confident and the writing explains 'Nicole Scherzinger outgrows her Dolls', this links to the meaning of pride.
Direct Mode: Magazines usually include a lot of direct address at the front cover to try and get the audience's attention as if they are speaking to them. In this cover it says 'how to turn YOUR passion to £££', this tries to get a message to the target audience as they would obviously want the answer to this and therefore would need to purchase it in order to find out.