Watch an episode of a contemporary reality game show. In what ways do the editors construct contestants into particular character roles? Is this helpful for the audience or does it manipulate audience responses too far?
This episode from 2010's I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here constructs character roles of celebrities such as Gillian McKeith as being melodramatic and petrified of being faced with the bush tucker trials. In most of the challenges, Gillian is constructed to be more scared, which contrasts with her celebrity profile of being quite calm and confident in her show 'You are what you eat'. The show offers gratifications to audiences, as they get a chance to view celebrities in a new light and discover their real personalities. The editors try to construct the roles of celebrities as being leaders, villians or duplicitous characters in order to allow audiences to identify and sympathise with a particular celebrity such as Stacey Soloman or Dom Joly.
Through the use of long shots and close up shots, the audience are allowed to be voyeurs and listen to the celebrities discusses the trials and tribulations of the jungle and each other. The show also offers audiences a chance to identify with celebrities such as Gillian McKeith. Yet , the audiences may have less sympathy for celebrities who appear to have a game plan or just try to gain sympathy by audiences, just to remain in the jungle and potentially win.
It can be argued that the editors do manipulate audience responses to character roles, as celebrities on I'm a Celebrity are constructed to be liked and disliked, as audiences may not have sympathy for Gillian McKeith for example, as she reportedly claimed that she was pregnant in order to leave the jungle, therefore audiences may resent her as she is making a mockery of the show and is being unfair to the other contestants. The interviews by each celebrity surrounding the fire incident shows the audience what each celebrity feels about each other, as gradually certain celebrities might resent each other and cause feuds. Yet it can be argued that by constructing characters as being bad or duplicitous may be going too far, as the celebrities might not be trying to cause trouble in the camp.
On the whole it can be argued that the construction of character roles could manipulate audience responses to far, as certain celebrities might be team players, yet could be constructed as being the so called 'resented, and sly characters', as seen with Jenny.
Saturday, 30 April 2011
News Values Exam Practice
Analyse a news broadcast in terms of news values employed during selection and construction, possible gate keeping and possible bias in the broadcast. How explicit are these factors to the audience? Does this matter?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b010r3xy/BBC_News_at_Six_29_04_2011/
Frequency is signified in BBC's news values as they select latest news, for example the protests in Libya and the recent attempts by rebels and Gaddafi's supporters to siege land on the border with Tunisia. In the last few months , the news coverage has been focused on Libya and the efforts to end Gaddafi's dictatorship, therefore the BBC see it fitting to report on these events. The continuity news value is evident in BBC's news reports, as the events in Libya are constantly changing and are eventful, as signified with Gaddafi's troops claiming land on the border with Tunisia and contains repetition and regular updates of other ongoing events, such as the Royal Wedding.
The repeated reporting on the royal wedding of Kate Middleton and future King, William, refers to elite persons, as the wedding is broadcast worldwide and draws attention to royalty and instills patriotic values into audiences. There is also mini interviews with the public and thier reactions to the wedding, with one person talking about waiting overnight to see the event and street parties in Ilkley, East Belfast and other areas in the UK.
Another report linked to dynamics is the recent tornado in Alabama which has left many people homless and has destroyed the livehoods of many people. The sounds of people screaming and shots of the tornado sweeping across the state signify how destructive the tornado is. The high angle shot of Alabama signifies how much chaos and destruction has been done throughout the state, with the voiceover saying how search and resue teams are searching for missing people in the wreckage. As well as this , the reference to consance and Syria signified how people are protesting against the current government and President Asad's re
In terms of the way the show was structured, the gatekeepers show external news of negativity, as signfied with Libya, and Syria, where protestors were killed by police. The proximity of news involving the British citizen killed in a cafe in Marrakesh, as well as the conflict in Bristol , where 15 people were killed due to the building of a Tesco supermarket in the area. Therefore, the local news became closer to home,although the negative news in selected at the end, the programme concludes with the main event; The Royal Wedding.
The bias report surrounds Syria, as 500 people were killed and actually stigmatises the protestors, as events in Syria have only recently emerged and could potentially erupt into a wider conflict between people and the Syrian government.
Though, these factors may not be explicit to audiences, as the programme lasts half an hour and only mentions the daily news, which is only a fraction of the programme which is undermined by the talked about Royal Wedding . Yet, the BBC might have chosen these stories, as they could affect a larger audience, as signfied with the tornado in Alabama , the protests in Syria to name a few. However, these factors may not immediately affect the audiences, as they can access news on the internet, smartphones and other devices to gain information on events going on in the world. The News proves to be an outlet for audiences to be curious of events and to follow their interests on events as they progress.
Although, audiences would be unwilling to pursue the wider news, as BBC news covers the top stories and broadens events into time slots, which may be enough for audiences who might not find the time to catch up with latest stories.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b010r3xy/BBC_News_at_Six_29_04_2011/
Frequency is signified in BBC's news values as they select latest news, for example the protests in Libya and the recent attempts by rebels and Gaddafi's supporters to siege land on the border with Tunisia. In the last few months , the news coverage has been focused on Libya and the efforts to end Gaddafi's dictatorship, therefore the BBC see it fitting to report on these events. The continuity news value is evident in BBC's news reports, as the events in Libya are constantly changing and are eventful, as signified with Gaddafi's troops claiming land on the border with Tunisia and contains repetition and regular updates of other ongoing events, such as the Royal Wedding.
The repeated reporting on the royal wedding of Kate Middleton and future King, William, refers to elite persons, as the wedding is broadcast worldwide and draws attention to royalty and instills patriotic values into audiences. There is also mini interviews with the public and thier reactions to the wedding, with one person talking about waiting overnight to see the event and street parties in Ilkley, East Belfast and other areas in the UK.
Another report linked to dynamics is the recent tornado in Alabama which has left many people homless and has destroyed the livehoods of many people. The sounds of people screaming and shots of the tornado sweeping across the state signify how destructive the tornado is. The high angle shot of Alabama signifies how much chaos and destruction has been done throughout the state, with the voiceover saying how search and resue teams are searching for missing people in the wreckage. As well as this , the reference to consance and Syria signified how people are protesting against the current government and President Asad's re
In terms of the way the show was structured, the gatekeepers show external news of negativity, as signfied with Libya, and Syria, where protestors were killed by police. The proximity of news involving the British citizen killed in a cafe in Marrakesh, as well as the conflict in Bristol , where 15 people were killed due to the building of a Tesco supermarket in the area. Therefore, the local news became closer to home,although the negative news in selected at the end, the programme concludes with the main event; The Royal Wedding.
The bias report surrounds Syria, as 500 people were killed and actually stigmatises the protestors, as events in Syria have only recently emerged and could potentially erupt into a wider conflict between people and the Syrian government.
Though, these factors may not be explicit to audiences, as the programme lasts half an hour and only mentions the daily news, which is only a fraction of the programme which is undermined by the talked about Royal Wedding . Yet, the BBC might have chosen these stories, as they could affect a larger audience, as signfied with the tornado in Alabama , the protests in Syria to name a few. However, these factors may not immediately affect the audiences, as they can access news on the internet, smartphones and other devices to gain information on events going on in the world. The News proves to be an outlet for audiences to be curious of events and to follow their interests on events as they progress.
Although, audiences would be unwilling to pursue the wider news, as BBC news covers the top stories and broadens events into time slots, which may be enough for audiences who might not find the time to catch up with latest stories.
Friday, 29 April 2011
Representation and Regulation: Exam Practice
Family Guy has more stereotypes than Eastenders, as Eastenders contains fairly limited representations of different groups that are featured in the UK. In Family Guy, gender is fairly represented through the male and female characters of Peter Griffin and Lois Griffin. Peter, on one hand is represented as being immature and gullible, as he purchases outlandish items such as a 1920s magazine kiosk, helicopters, and other unimaginable items and is often dominant, as he doesn't listen to his wife. However, Lois Griffin is represented as being practical and sensible, as she makes the right decisions, as signified when she removes the carpet in the house to prevent Peter from statically shocking everyone , due to his fuzzy pyjamas. However, she is also sexually driven and can be seen to be alluring to other males such as Quagmire. The female newsreader Diane Simmons is a female character that is subordinated, as she has little to say on the news and is a sex object that is controlled by her co anchor Tom Tucker.
These representations contrast with Eastenders, where there are a range of representations of different groups, such as homosexuals, black people and Asian families. Firstly women are presented as being obnoxious and sexually alluring, as signified with Kim Fox. Other dominant representations of women include Zainab Masood, who controls her husband and is in charge of their company Masala Masood. Women are also represented as always being concerned with love as Heather Trott is really excited to go on a website with someone else. Men are also represented as being dominant, as signified with Phil Mitchell and Max Branning, but are also represented as sly , as signfied with Michael Moon.
There are alternative representations of men, such as being sad and emotional, as Jack Branning grieves his child who died in a cot death, and other men being concerned about him and caring towards him, as signified with Alfie Moon.
In accordance to the other representations, ethinic minorities are represented as being active members of the community and are caring to other characters, as signified with the Masood family, which is an alternative representation in a post 9/11 era, where Muslims are demonised in the media and are resented.
In this episode from Eastenders, the most stereotyped group are teenagers. They are represented as being confused, angry, bullies and troublesome, as signified with Ben Mitchell, who makes a false profile on a dating website, in order to appeal to Heather but in a negative way, which will cause her to feel lonely. The other stereotypes are signified as being rebellious and relaxed, as seen with Fat Boy who acts like a black person with an informal, slang accent.
In contrast to Eastenders, Family Guy constructs stereotypes in order to create humour and often mocks and exaggerates these representations to entertain audiences.Therefore, audiences would be able to identify with these stereotypes and mock them without being in trouble, as they are represented as the extremes of what they recognise in their own lives. Yet, in Eastenders, most of the groups are fairly constructed in order to show audiences that alternative representations of these groups do exist, as men are able to be dominant, yet be emotional and caring and ethnic groups such as British Muslims are not evil or threatening to the status quo. Yet it can be argued whether the institution has any hegemonic values, as teenagers and women are not fairly represented and men are to a larger extent.
These representations contrast with Eastenders, where there are a range of representations of different groups, such as homosexuals, black people and Asian families. Firstly women are presented as being obnoxious and sexually alluring, as signified with Kim Fox. Other dominant representations of women include Zainab Masood, who controls her husband and is in charge of their company Masala Masood. Women are also represented as always being concerned with love as Heather Trott is really excited to go on a website with someone else. Men are also represented as being dominant, as signified with Phil Mitchell and Max Branning, but are also represented as sly , as signfied with Michael Moon.
There are alternative representations of men, such as being sad and emotional, as Jack Branning grieves his child who died in a cot death, and other men being concerned about him and caring towards him, as signified with Alfie Moon.
In accordance to the other representations, ethinic minorities are represented as being active members of the community and are caring to other characters, as signified with the Masood family, which is an alternative representation in a post 9/11 era, where Muslims are demonised in the media and are resented.
In this episode from Eastenders, the most stereotyped group are teenagers. They are represented as being confused, angry, bullies and troublesome, as signified with Ben Mitchell, who makes a false profile on a dating website, in order to appeal to Heather but in a negative way, which will cause her to feel lonely. The other stereotypes are signified as being rebellious and relaxed, as seen with Fat Boy who acts like a black person with an informal, slang accent.
In contrast to Eastenders, Family Guy constructs stereotypes in order to create humour and often mocks and exaggerates these representations to entertain audiences.Therefore, audiences would be able to identify with these stereotypes and mock them without being in trouble, as they are represented as the extremes of what they recognise in their own lives. Yet, in Eastenders, most of the groups are fairly constructed in order to show audiences that alternative representations of these groups do exist, as men are able to be dominant, yet be emotional and caring and ethnic groups such as British Muslims are not evil or threatening to the status quo. Yet it can be argued whether the institution has any hegemonic values, as teenagers and women are not fairly represented and men are to a larger extent.
Wednesday, 27 April 2011
Gender Studies Exam Practice
"Audiences feel safe with the idea of genre". How far do you feel this statement is true?
Audiences do feel safe with the idea of genre, because it's something they understand . Through genre, audience are able to distinguish certain convetions of a genre, for example guns, horses, deserts and cowboy hats connote that a film is a western. By being defined into a genre, audiences are able to expect certain things from it, as signified with gangster films which usually include violence, drug use and car chases.
In accordance, genere is culturally interwined in society, which allows audiences to identify with characters, events and the genre itself. Evidently, the reality genre is a part of British culture known as Reality TV by audiences, yet is a hybrid genre of soap opera, game shows which the audience may not know of.
The hybrid genreleads to genres becoming mixed and may confusing to some audiences. The arrival of a new genre may confound audiences, as they are unaware of the codes and conventions it contains. Yet. audiences may be curious of new genres, as it may adopt new conventions and may interest audiences through style , plot and characters. The recent influx of reality TV and Docusoap genres have become so popular, it suggests that audiences do like new genres and changes to TV.
Therefore, it can be convincingly argued that audiences feel safe with genre, as they can be familiar with the conventions of the genre , for example guns, cowboys connote a western. Yet, the emergence of new genres may suit certain audiences who may enjoy certain programmes such as Docusoaps and reality TV shows.
Audiences do feel safe with the idea of genre, because it's something they understand . Through genre, audience are able to distinguish certain convetions of a genre, for example guns, horses, deserts and cowboy hats connote that a film is a western. By being defined into a genre, audiences are able to expect certain things from it, as signified with gangster films which usually include violence, drug use and car chases.
In accordance, genere is culturally interwined in society, which allows audiences to identify with characters, events and the genre itself. Evidently, the reality genre is a part of British culture known as Reality TV by audiences, yet is a hybrid genre of soap opera, game shows which the audience may not know of.
The hybrid genreleads to genres becoming mixed and may confusing to some audiences. The arrival of a new genre may confound audiences, as they are unaware of the codes and conventions it contains. Yet. audiences may be curious of new genres, as it may adopt new conventions and may interest audiences through style , plot and characters. The recent influx of reality TV and Docusoap genres have become so popular, it suggests that audiences do like new genres and changes to TV.
Therefore, it can be convincingly argued that audiences feel safe with genre, as they can be familiar with the conventions of the genre , for example guns, cowboys connote a western. Yet, the emergence of new genres may suit certain audiences who may enjoy certain programmes such as Docusoaps and reality TV shows.
Censorship Exam Practice
Will we ever reach a point where as an audience, we are so desensitised that we don't need the BBFC anymore?
In my opinion, there will not be a point where the BBFC is not needed. As the audience become more desensitised to texts, producers would try to take advantage, by making their films more explicit. Different audiences such as children would be susceptible to what they see and may be negatively influenced, hence they would be unable to question what they see in the text, as it is constantly visible in the media.
It can be argued that the BBFC won't be needed in the future as audiences are becoming more desensitised, as signified with lads mags and newspapers such as The Sun's page 3, which contain sexual content on the front covers and inside the publication. This exposure to immoral content can also be stemmed from violent video games like COD, Kane and Lynch, which are mainly played by younger audiences, who can gain access to mature rated games fairly easily.
However, the exposure to such games may result in a moral panic, as younger audiences are influenced by these games, hence the need for more control than the BBFC is required. Though, previous cases have proved that the BBFC is essential, as signified with the Manhunt game, which supposedly inspired two teenagers to kidnap and kill 3 year old, Jamie Bulger. The methods used by the two boys can be seen in the film Childs Play 3, which one of their parents had rented. This case clarifies how the need for the BBFC is essential , as they could access the game easily and be negatively influenced by it.
If audiences do get more desensitised in the future, the need to ban such games could be well enforced. Or, the need for higher age ratings might well be introduced, instead of getting rid of the BBFC.
In my opinion, there will not be a point where the BBFC is not needed. As the audience become more desensitised to texts, producers would try to take advantage, by making their films more explicit. Different audiences such as children would be susceptible to what they see and may be negatively influenced, hence they would be unable to question what they see in the text, as it is constantly visible in the media.
It can be argued that the BBFC won't be needed in the future as audiences are becoming more desensitised, as signified with lads mags and newspapers such as The Sun's page 3, which contain sexual content on the front covers and inside the publication. This exposure to immoral content can also be stemmed from violent video games like COD, Kane and Lynch, which are mainly played by younger audiences, who can gain access to mature rated games fairly easily.
However, the exposure to such games may result in a moral panic, as younger audiences are influenced by these games, hence the need for more control than the BBFC is required. Though, previous cases have proved that the BBFC is essential, as signified with the Manhunt game, which supposedly inspired two teenagers to kidnap and kill 3 year old, Jamie Bulger. The methods used by the two boys can be seen in the film Childs Play 3, which one of their parents had rented. This case clarifies how the need for the BBFC is essential , as they could access the game easily and be negatively influenced by it.
If audiences do get more desensitised in the future, the need to ban such games could be well enforced. Or, the need for higher age ratings might well be introduced, instead of getting rid of the BBFC.
Media Ownership Exam Practice
Virgin has three major sections of their conglomorate: Virgin Media , Virgin Consumer products such as Virgin Radio, as well as transport such as Virgin trains and radio stations.
Virgin Media
This is section in the conglomerate deals with broadband services for consumers. In addition, this section also covers Virgin TV, which competes with Sky to offer a vast range of programmes. Along with this, Virgin Media also includes phone packages which are improved in order to appeal to consumers. The addition of mobile services with the broadband service is offered by Virgin . Virgin Radio is also an established product which broadcasts globally, for example Italy, India, Thailand, France and other countries.
Virgin Consumer Products
Virgin is well known for its Megastore which allows consumers to purchase CDs, DVDs games, books, apparel and electronics from stores around the world. As well as this, Virgin also has products such as Virgin books, Virgin Wines and other commerical products which cater for the audiences' needs. The addition of Virgin Holidays makes its easier for consumers to fly with Virgin as they could offer quality services to different countries.
Virgin Transport
Virgin is widely recognised for its transport- from aeroplanes to trains, Virgin's trains travel around the UK , for example London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Edinburgh and Glasgow, and are a vital service for many commuters . The addition of Virgin Atlantic aeroplanes allows coommuters to travel to Dubai, Florida and other countries, thus being recognised as a global brand.
Saturday, 23 April 2011
Media Mock Exam Revision
Task 5- Episode from The Simpsons
'The Great Simpsina'
Dominant Reading
The Simpsons is a family orientated show which contains humour and satirises society.
Negotiated Reading
The Simpsons is a show which contains humour and conventional American stereotypes such as Chief Wiggum, but also has social and political messages.
Oppositional Reading
The Simpsons is a show which contains negative stereotypes and has humour which may offend countries such as China. The show contains poor role models and actually does'nt represent the ideal American family and has gradually begun to tire in terms of plot, structure and ideas.
The reading which is closest to my own is the negotiated reading, as it enables me to look at the underlying conventions of the text and defines what the producers of the show are trying to convey in each episode. By having stereotypes which are believable, I am able to be more familiar with the text and identify with different characters.
'The Great Simpsina'
Dominant Reading
The Simpsons is a family orientated show which contains humour and satirises society.
Negotiated Reading
The Simpsons is a show which contains humour and conventional American stereotypes such as Chief Wiggum, but also has social and political messages.
Oppositional Reading
The Simpsons is a show which contains negative stereotypes and has humour which may offend countries such as China. The show contains poor role models and actually does'nt represent the ideal American family and has gradually begun to tire in terms of plot, structure and ideas.
The reading which is closest to my own is the negotiated reading, as it enables me to look at the underlying conventions of the text and defines what the producers of the show are trying to convey in each episode. By having stereotypes which are believable, I am able to be more familiar with the text and identify with different characters.
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