Classifying Audiences: Homework Questions

Classifying Audiences: Homework Questions

by

Niamh Gallagher

1a.)

The Mainstream

 The Mainstream conform into society by choosing media that they can relate and talk with people about so they fit in. The Mainstream always stay with the crowd and follow the norms of society without objection. A program such as 'X Factor' or 'I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!' would be most of interest to this group as they seek security. These programs provide a sense of security as it is always safe to presume there will be someone willing to talk about these usually outlandish and controversial programs. Media texts like these would also appeal towards the Mainstream as TV programs like 'The Only Way Is Essex' are always a hot topic and being knowledge about the text would give away for a Mainstream to fit into the norm and society.

The Succeeder

The Succeeder are the ones in society with the most power and responsibility. Usually very full of aspiration  programs such as 'Dragon's Den' and 'The Apprentice' would appeal to the Succeeder because these type of TV shows would help them achieve their own aspirations and hopes through different business-related projects.

The Aspirer

The Aspirer are the ones in society who are the ones most concerned with how they look and appear to everyone else to a superficial and almost narcissistic tendency. They are obsessed with their image and how they present themselves, being more bothered about looks than substance, so magazines like 'Vogue' and 'Elle' would appeal to the Aspirer. This is because using these texts they can mould themselves into what is considered beautiful and socially desired.

The Explorer

The Explorer are the ones in society who seek out new things to immerse themselves in. They are the opposite of the Mainstream; the Explorer wanting to be different from the crowd. Programs such as 'Twin Peaks' or 'The Mighty Boosh' would appeal to the Explorer as they have surreal, fantastical feels to them that don't adhere to the normal codes and conventions of a normal program. The said programs would stick out to an Explorer as their plots and style do not fit into the mainstream.

1b.) I think these kinds of categories help define an audience type are quite useful as they help institutions identify the audience's personalities and preferences for what they like. This is helpful because it helps institutions know what and not to put out there, helping save money which is an important factor. However I think the categories have their flaws such as they rely heavily on stereotypes which are not always correct about a group of people.

1c.) 

Amy; Desperate Scousewives

Amy is an eighteen year old Caucasian female who was born and raised in Liverpool, coming from a working-class background. She lives with her parents and three younger siblings. Amy is a student at Hugh Baird College currently on a beauty course. Amy receives mediocre grades in her education as she aspires to become a model, spending much of her time at photo shoots instead of doing her schoolwork. Her family isn't religious although her grandparents occasionally go to a church service on special occasions such as Easter. Her family also is not particular bothered with politics but votes Labour at the local elections. Amy is confident with her looks and in her friend circle is known as the 'Queen Bee'. Amy watching programs such as 'Desperate Scousewives', 'The Only Way Is Essex' and 'Geordie Shore' as she dreams of becoming like the people featured in them; beautiful, rich, hedonistic and adored by the mass.

1d.) 

X Factor/ I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!/ The Only Way Is Essex/ Desperate Scousewives ; Groupies/ Trendies

I think Groupies would like the appeal of reality TV shows because them being such a forum of conversation it is an easy way for them to relate with society about. I also think Trendies would be attracted to this genre of TV as they will be easily accepted by their peers if they share the same interests.