Abstract This paper discusses Coleman's book and the African American audience response to various media treatment. The paper explores specific TV shows. It explores the themes of the 10 essays of the book. The author also mentions images of African American culture and their social context of meaning.
From the Paper ""Say it Loud! African American Audiences, Media and Identity," edited by Robin R. Means Coleman is an up to date published in examination of African American audiences and their response to how the various media, TV, movies, music, radio, comics, print, cyberspace ..."
Tags: Coleman, African-American, Media, Audiences, Essays, Images, TV
Abstract This paper analyzes the television series "Sex and the City" on several different levels. First the paper describes various methods of audience analysis. Then it examines moral issues of television, such as role models for youth. "Sex in the City" is further described as appealing to the young, beautiful, and fabulous crowd that ranges in age from the early twenties to the mid-thirties, thus expressing the ideals of society's dominant culture. The author illustrates how the show can be analyzed from the coded and encoded messages it contains. The author concludes that the series had a long life due to its ability to tackle relevant social issues and to create conflict and controversy.
From the Paper " Stuart hall was a major research figure at the Birmingham School. He felt that the mass media was an important element of capitalist culture, because it allowed a structure for organization of society's experience (Tomlinson, 1991). Hall viewed media messages as open to having multiple meanings and interpretations by the audience. The message received by the audience, "is influenced by the context and culture of the receivers" (McQuail, 2000, p. 56). The encoding/decoding model views the audience as an active participant in the message, rather than a passive recipient of knowledge. "
Tags: Sex, and, the, City, television, audience, HBO
Abstract Writing is a means of communicating in which communication refers to the process of creating shared understanding. For the person communicating, there is a need to consider who will be receiving the message and to ensure that this message can be both received and understood. The paper shows, therefore, that the writer needs to consider the audience. It explains that the writer must consider several aspects, including choosing appropriate language, achieving clarity, and getting the audience's attention. In addition, the paper shows that writing forms and writing rules also take into account the needs of the writer. Finally, the paper shows that the writer can consider audience at any of the stages of writing and describes the process of determining the audience.
From the Paper "Form also meets the needs of the audience in the formal structure of the essay. The essay represents a form where information is provided in logical order, with this helping the audience achieve clarity. The introduction works by providing a general overview of the topic. This identifies the subject for the reader so that they are eased into the subject. The introduction then usually offers a brief description of what will be covered in the essay. This gives the reader an idea of where they are going, which helps with achieving understanding. The body of the essay is then structured with each major idea or argument occurring in a separate paragraph. This helps with clarity as it separates ideas so they can be fully understood. The conclusion then summarizes what has been argued and restates the introduction. The end result is a logical structure that leads the reader through the essay. This is another example of how form and structure have been created with audience in mind. By following these forms, writers then meet the needs of the audience."
Abstract This paper provides a brief overview of some audience ratings systems and the integral part an audience plays in the creative process for entertainers and the marketing techniques of advertisers.
Introduction
Overview of Audience Ratings Systems
Other Types of Audience Research
It Takes Two to Tango in the Theater
Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper "Advertisers and marketing specialists are constantly seeking the Holy Grail of Sales: what will compel the average consumer to purchase a particular product or service, or to watch a television show or attend a movie. The question of what motivates a consumer to buy challenges the imagination and ingenuity of every type of industry which has an audience and presses research specialists forward into new fields of investigation. "Motivational research, for example, attempts to probe the unconscious impulses that motivate buying decisions; advertising agencies then utilize these findings to influence the consumer and to attempt to break down sales resistance.""
Abstract This paper briefly shows how the audience is part of the social problem that perpetuates the murders in "The Lodger". "The Lodger" is a silent movie by Hitchock, and the paper explains how the audience was included in the film, both explicitly and subtly, in specific characters and scenes. It explains that the presence of the movie audience itself and the popularity of the film attest to a societal interest in murder.
From the Paper "The Lodger was Hitchcock's first suspense thriller and his first great commercial success (Wood 27). This correlation is perhaps no coincidence. Hitchcock's treatment of the movie audience on screen suggests he understood their interests in murder. The novel, by Marie Belloc Lowndes, from which the screenplay was based, was a treatment of the true, popular case of the notorious English murderer, Jack the Ripper (Spoto 84). What drew the popular appeal to the Jack the Ripper case draws the film's newspaper readers, radio listeners and bystanders in view of the electric news sign to stories about the Avenger. The audience's draw to The Lodger cannot be separated from what draws the crowds to the Avenger murders."
Abstract This paper discusses the media and society, including issues related to audience, representations and globalization in today's world. It specifically summarizes and discusses David Croteau and William Hoynes' book, "Media/ Society: Industries, Images and Audiences." The paper describes each of the five parts of the book and discusses their content.
Table of Contents:
Part I: Media/ Society
Part II: Media Industry and the Social World
Part III: Media Representations of the Social World
Part IV: Audience Part V: Globalization and the Future
From the Paper "Although 'the media' has always existed, in terms of word-of-mouth and folklore, the advent of print created something new: a mass media that could extend far beyond the borders of the places that produced it. This fundamentally changed the nature of human social relations. The media is both produced by human social relations and is changed by shifts in human social relations (16-18). For example, the modern American Civil Rights movement sought to end segregation. Negative media images of African-Americans had reinforced the values of racist society. However the images of nonviolent civil disobedience on the nation's television screens created a groundswell of political support to change the laws at the federal level, and thus changed all American society. A social movement was produced in part by the media changed society through the media (27)."
A paper discussing the recent developments in theater that increase audience's experiences of the truth, rather than confirming their notions of what they experience as lived reality.
1,580 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 7 sources, 2002, $ 51.95
Abstract The following paper examines how theatre has changed since the times of Shakespeare, focusing on changes in the actual design of theatres, subjects of texts and particularly changes in dramatic character's language which has grown more heightened and more strange and removed from reality. This paper addresses issues of notions of linear time in plot structure, climatic plots and character composition with reference to several contemporary and classic plays, such as Margaret Edison's, "Wit", Terrence McNally's "Master Class" and Ibsen's "Peer Gynt". Characters in their psychology seem more fragmented and strange, less like the people we meet on the street because of their language, but also because authors are more willing to show characters in different points of their life, as in ?Master Class Better to give audiences a new perception of truth than to attempt to confirm audience's preexisting expectations of character, art, and life, says the modern theater and modern authors. Although the attempts to do so are often unpleasant and jarring, they are equally often haunting and moving.
From the Paper ?The plays ?Master Class,? ?Art,? and ?Wit,? similarly use of heightened language to challenge the expected notions of the audience and what reality is. "Master Class" does not have a clear beginning and an end in the sense that it jumps back and forth in time and place in the protagonist's Maria Callas? mind. The setting is ostensibly a master class taught by the singer, but the real drama is within the woman, not in external action. Callas is a real person, but the story does not evolve through real time. Instead, song drifts in and out of Callas? voice, but these songs do not feature vocals during the play. Instead it is the voice of Callas in the past that fills the room, from recordings, even though the character that begins the play can no longer handle the demands of an operatic soprano aria."
Abstract This is a literary essay that discusses William Shakespeare's "Hamlet" and how the character of Hamlet would have been perceived by an Elizabethan audience. The paper contends that, in the eyes of an Elizabethan audience, Hamlet is a failure, both as an avenger and as a human being.
From the Paper "In William Shakespeare's play Hamlet the central character, Prince Hamlet of Denmark and heir to the throne has a personality that is often considered flawed. He possesses several negative attributes that would have given the Elizabethan audience of the time good reason to find him failing as a human being and as an avenger. However, there is evidence throughout the text that suggests Hamlet is not a total failure as a human being and avenger. To draw a conclusion, one must explore Hamlet's character and analyze his actions throughout the course of the play."
Abstract The paper discusses how Brooks' white audience affected her writing. The paper also considers whether her work was more geared toward these white readers, or rather toward a black audience.
From the Paper "When Gwendolyn Brooks began publishing her poetry, her readers were in for a surprise. Appearing mostly in magazines aimed at upper and middle white audiences, Brooks' poems revealed the inner world of urban blacks, a realm previously unknown to white readers. Indeed much of the critical reaction to Brooks' poetry fixated on her race as a means of judgment; critics seemed to praise the work in spite of the fact that Brooks was an African American woman."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that the study of the mass media and notably television continues to involve a great deal of theory-building. The writer remarks that as Ien Ang points out, much that is theorized or assumed features a large cultural and conceptual gap between television audiences and observing scholars or others to analyze them. The writer maintains that one also needs to bear in mind the care that should be taken to examine particular phenomena, ensuring that one's assumptions are not wholly shaped by theory. The writer further reveals that Ulf Hannerz pointed out how the day of globalization has prompted approaches that are global and also local, in term of continuity and change. Perhaps at no time has it been so important to ensure that one does observe what one is discussing, in terms of local and particular phenomenon. The writer notes that this is played out in this paper's case study.
Outline:
Introduction
An Ethnography of Public TV Viewing
Reflections on TV Audience Freedom
'The Heavy Viewer'
Concluding Remarks
From the Paper "In a somewhat shabby area, Ciro's offers a kind of oasis in a well-run, almost upscale facility of reasonable prices. The premises have involved a tavern of some kind for many years catering to a working class area of much early 20th century row housing, most of it quite simple, streets of less costly detached housing and few amenities of kinds appealing to upscale consumers. It is a neighbourhood beset by visible petty crime but also an array of churches, mosques and temples, a low-cost area chosen by diverse new Canadians and others since the 1980s. The management of Ciro's welcome customers of every imaginable social class and background providing that patrons are agreeably behaved, distinct from the same areas large crack cocaine culture whose members are catered to by other drinking establishments. Ciro's was chosen for observation for its feature of both educated and uneducated patrons and for its eternal television screen, forever on, at all hours, usually showing news-feeds or other material of local interest. Large TV screens are situated behind the bar that takes up the establishment's east wall and suspended from the ceiling at the centre of the area used by customers who both stand or make use of tables. The culture of Ciro's is remarkably democratic apart from firm rules against customers who are rude, potentially dangerous, apt to conduct drug deals on site or who otherwise cannot participate in the friendly cooperative attitude that is shared by customers."
Tags: viewing, customers, bar, of, background, noise
Abstract This paper discusses three poems composed by three different poets, Wordsworth, Springsteen and Hughes. Through these works, the writer examines who the poet addresses. This paper illustrates how every poem has a dual audience for the thoughts expressed, with a primary entity being addressed in the poem itself, and with the reader a secondary entity addressed by the poem as a whole.
From the Paper "Poetry is a personal expression of thought and emotion, and the issue is raised concerning to whom the poet addresses the poem. Every poem has a dual audience for the thoughts expressed, with a primary entity being addressed in the poem itself, and with the reader a secondary entity addressed by the poem as a whole. This may be more obvious in a dramatic poem like those written by Robert Browning, where the person addressed is clearly identified, but the poet always addresses someone even if this is simply implied."
A comparison between research writing and writing aimed at non-scholarly audiences, through a close examination of articles by Carol S. Dweck and John O'Sullivan.
Abstract This paper examines the differences between research writing and writing for a non-scholarly audience. The paper points out that the most obvious difference is that the former can be very difficult to read, but the latter is almost always relatively easy to read. However, there are many subtler stylistic differences as well. This essay examines the differences between the two styles of writing, by comparing Carol S. Dweck's research article entitled "The Role of Expectations and Attributions in the Alleviation of Learned Helplessness" with her popular article "Caution - Praise Can Be Dangerous", and with John O'Sullivan's popular article "Put Gay Marriage to 'Covenant' Test". To conclude, the paper examines the reliability of academic versus popular articles. The paper maintains that the former are peer-reviewed, making them likely to be more trustworthy, while popular articles are not necessarily trustworthy.
From the Paper "One sometimes comes across articles written by the same authors, but written in different styles in order to suit the kind of article being written. Thus, a researcher may write a research article for a scholarly publication, and also write articles for popular audiences. In this way, the researcher is enabled to communicate with a much broader audience. Thus, a researcher who believes her information is very important may make use of the popular media to communicate what she knows. Dweck is an example of such a researcher/author - she is able to write very competently for both audiences. This shows that she clearly has a finely nuanced comprehension of the different stylistic devices employed in the two different kinds of publications. It also affords the opportunity of comparing her writing style in the two different styles of writing."
Analysis of Shakespeare's play, "Richard III", and how the main character is able to win over the hearts and minds of the audience in spite of his evil nature.
Abstract This paper describes the four techniques used by Richard, in William Shakespeare's play, "Richard III", to win the love of the audience. Eliciting the audience's sympathy and then their collaboration, Richard's ability to charm and manipulate the audience depends are various elements; each is cited as a technique used by Richard to gain the audience's devotion.
From the Paper "One of Shakespeare's most memorable characters is a villain who will always be remembered for his outstanding intelligence, political intensity, and incredible language skill. Richard, Duke of Gloucester, a devilish man, who murders anyone who stands in his way, even innocent people. We ask ourselves how could anybody with a hypocritical, and deceiving nature win the hearts of the audience of so many generations: for at-least most part of the play. It is agreed then that normally one such a person would horrify and disgust one and all. However, Richard (I stress not King Richard) which will be clarified by the end of this essay; mesmerizes his audience with sly skill. He captures sympathy in his audience by convincing them that his physical deformities should excuse him of committing evil crimes. His alluring use of language is like a spell that is cast over the audience and sustained from the beginning of the play until Act IV. Richard is then able to charm his audience into a partnership of evil and corrupt manipulation. Moreover, Richard, distinguishable than any other villain, and deserves his title because of the four most vital techniques that he uses: through these techniques he is able to win the love of the audience. There are four specific techniques that are used by Richard, which will be explained in-order of importance throughout the essay. The key idea is that each technique adds to, enhances, and strengthens the effect of the situations and outcomes- to whoever is participating in the play (audience, characters etc.)."
Abstract The paper discusses how in the films "Psycho," "North By Northwest," and "Rear Window," Alfred Hitchcock uses the action of the camera to invite the audience to take part in the voyeuristic activities of the characters. In "Psycho" and in "Rear Window" Hitchcock invites the audience into very specific moments in which the main characters observe others in the films without their knowledge. The paper depicts how these voyeuristic moments were a trademark of Hitchcock films that provided a moment in time for the audience to be part of the film and view action that called the audience in as second party voyeurs lead by Hitchcock himself.
Abstract In this article, the writer provides a research proposal involving a topic dealing with communication, with the field of media studies specifically in mind. Mass communication audiences are under discussion, and from that the research topic was chosen. The topic involves the researching of the reality television phenomenon, with specific focus on South African television in terms of various factors, allowing the researcher the possibility of developing further understanding and academic work on a subject that is relatively new and still falls into the 'unknown' category. The writer concludes that it is visible that the South African reality television analysis is a necessary research study that should be conducted for many reasons, not least of which is the furthering of knowledge involved with broadcasting, communication and the mass media audiences.
Outline:
Introduction
Mass Communication Audiences Audience Formation
Uses and Gratifications Model
What Gratifications are Sought and Obtained?
The Three Processes
Expectancy-Value Theory
Dependency Theory
Context of the Study
Purpose of the Study
Background of the Study
Relevance of the Topic
Literature Review
Similar Research
Type of Study
Formulation of Research problem, Questions or Hypothesis
Research Problem
Sub-problems
Research questions
Methodology
The Research Method
Quantitative Research
Qualitative Research
Collection and Interpretation of Data
Questionnaire Example
Feasibility and Ethics of the Study
Anticipated Findings
Anticipation of Findings
Uses and Gratifications Theory
Anticipated Contribution to Communication
Conclusion
10 SOURCES
From the Paper "It is important to understand what gratifications are actually sought after and obtained in order to further understand the theory. This may be further explained by looking at McQuail's 'Typology of Gratifications Sought and Obtained'. In this typology he names four gratification categories that the public media choices fall into. The first category is information, meaning that the audience exposes themselves to the media product in order to be informed."
"The second category in the typology is that of personal identity. A viewer of the Big Brother program may seek gratification in terms of personal identity by reinforcing personal values regarding sexual abstinence that are echoed in the reality program or by identifying oneself with a featured role model in the show. A third category discussed in the typology is that of integration and social interaction. This category deals with the need people have to be part of a society and have a sense of membership or belonging. McQuail's final category in his typology is entertainment. The need for entertainment may be sought out to divert one's attention from life's problems and struggles or simply to fill time. This is specifically visible in the case of reality television. The gratification model is made up of three processes."
