Classifying Audiences (Homework Questions)

1. 
 a)  The Mainstream are the conformists of society, choosing to view programming and other media out of the need to 'fit in' and to be able to relate with other people in social situations. The need to be current is also a major part of the mainstream audience. Reality shows, such as I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! and The Only Way is Essex adhere to the ideas of this audience. Being the largest group in society means having the ability to discuss these usually controversial programmes at length and as a way to be knowledgeable of current popular culture. These programmes provide the security of always being a suitable topic to discuss and recall when with other people who will likely share your mainstream viewing habits.


To be classified as The Succeeder means to have responsibility over others and the aspiration to achieve your goals in life. Business programmes such as The Apprentice suit the needs of this audience as contestants bid to achieve their own aspirations through various business-related tasks as a group. The needs of the succeeder are met through the chance at becoming successful as an individual through hard work and responsibility, often fine-tuning their own traits and habits to suit their goals. Their need for 'control' is met in The Apprentice through the viewer's own evaluations of specific tasks and presentations - tying into their belief in self-confidence and open criticism of others. 

The Aspirer responds to 'image' and the superficial, often driven by others' perceptions of themselves rather than by their values. They are materialistic in their spending habits and can be persuaded to own something for its image - not its contents. America's Next Top Model would appeal to the aspirer in society because its sole judgment is made based on image and beauty, rather than personality, values or the 'content' in each contestant's backgrounds. They have aspirations of 'status': ANTM's contestants seek fame and fortune by modeling at a top agency and the winner will usually gain some sort of status within the fashion world and a cash prize.

The Explorer seeks discovery and is usually the first to try out completely new experiences or ideas, they respond well to original and unique sensations and brands. The completely unique and different television series Twin Peaks would be the ideal media text for the explorer. Unlike many series at the time, Twin Peaks managed to avoid the conventions of a narrative driven drama with many unusual and perhaps absurd moments peppered throughout. This would stick out to the explorer, because they are tired of the formulaic and basic TV storylines and want to be sucked into something new, creative and against type. The Explorer is driven by the need for discovery, making Twin Peaks an outlet for discovering new music they may enjoy and actors they may have seen but never known the names of.

b) They are useful because they can help advertisers easily identify their audience and understand their buying habits and personalities. However, they may not be entirely useful because they are stereotypes and won't reflect the reality of every person on the planet.

c)             Sky Sports Soccer Saturday

Jamie is 17 years old, male, white and lives at home with his sister, mother and father in London. He has just finished his first A-Levels at Sixth Form and is unhappy with his results knowing he can do better, yet isn't turned away from continuing. He isn't interested in religion, yet many of his older family members attend church regularly. Jamie regularly goes out with his entirely male group of friends to the cinema, football matches and around their neighbourhoods on weekends. He supports Arsenal Football Club, whereas a few of his friends support Tottenham. He perceives himself as confident within his social circle, but he isn't arrogant. He isn't actively seeking a relationship, but he is always reminded of the fact that he is single by his friends. His musical tastes include lots of classic rock and electronic dance music, shared by his circle of friends. He regularly sits down with his father to watch Arsenal play live on TV, but while his mother is usually fine with this, his sister despises it. Jamie's father encourages aggressive behaviour in football, he believes this is perhaps down to his dad's own upbringing. He aspires in the future to do something he enjoys going to work for and raising a family, because of his aspirations for fatherhood and introducing his children to his interests. 

d)

Reality shows: Trendies/Groupies


They conform to certain norms in society because their social circle actively encourages doing these things, such as watching reality shows. They can discuss these programmes with their peers and be understood. 

The Apprentice: Innovators/Cowboys

Innovators want to leave their mark on the world. The Apprentice's contestants each want this sense of fame or importance by winning the programme. The innovator may look at this show as a way of learning of ways to succeed in business and make something of themselves. This can however also be a sign of wanting to learn how to make money easily, the sign of a Cowboy.  


America's Next Top Model: Groupies

Groupies may want to take up self-improvement from this show in order to impress their friends, where they may usually feel oppressed by their peers' 'images'. It may also be a coping mechanism for the downtrodden or less confident among society.

Twin Peaks: Rebels

Rebels want the world to be how they wish it to be, to conform to their own ideals. Twin Peaks may offer an escape for these people unsure about their place in a world which they dislike. It contains elements of soap opera and drama, enough to be different from the rebel's own reality.

Sky Sports Soccer Saturday: Drop-outs

Drop-outs dislike committing to something. I believe that football appeals to drop-outs because the matches last 90 minutes and do not encourage attachment to narrative or a multiple episode structure. When finished, that is that. If you miss one, it won't be a problem.