Classifying Audiences

Classifying Audiences Homework

1.a)
THE MAINSTREAM
The Mainstream respond to Big established brands, 'family' brands. Therefore I think a big family TV show would be the most appealing to the Mainstream, this way they could relate with other people in  social situations about shows they have watched. Maybe reality shows such as 'Big Brother' would be best for the Mainstream as it fits in with the description. Being the majority of Society means they can join the social norm and discuss controversial programmes with each other; this provides the security of socializing with other people who may share your viewing experiences.

THE SUCCEEDER
Having self-confidence and having a big objective in life can make the Succeeder very competitive. Maybe shows like 'Dragons Den' may share qualities with the Succeeder like competition and proving your knowledge to be the best. Participants in 'Dragons Den' have to be self-confident and be organised to stand a chance to receive an Investment, these qualities are similar to the ones of the Succeeder, making the programme relatable.

THE ASPIRER
Being a part of the Aspirer group means flash is everything, they enjoy others envying you. They care about only their image and your status, they value anyone's opinion of themselves, and enjoy being above society. They would enjoy TV shows about models, glamour and big egos; like 'America's Next top Model'. This show is based on being the best, better than others, the biggest appearance. So this show would fit in nicely with the Aspirer -who cares mostly about the attractive shell of anything rather than its contents.

THE EXPLORER
The Explorer always wants a challenge, an objective to overcome, a victory to claim. They tend to be new and experimental, they don't want to be the same as everyone else, they want to discovery and enjoy something new. I think the 'Columbo' episodes would cater to the Explorers needs. Instead of the generic 'who is the bad guy' kind of crime dramas, in 'Columbo' you are placed into the shoes of a detective, trying to catch the bad guy, but there's a catch, the audience already has the knowledge of who committed the crime but you follow a detective who has to journey through the evidence and try to find the killer. This asks the audience 'How will he get him this time?' and can be challenging at times.

b)
These categories are fine for defining an Audience although sometimes in accurate. It helps advertisers identify their audience and direct their media texts in a specific way. But however, it has flaws. It mostly relys on stereotypes, which are mostly of the time widely inaccurate.

c)
The Apprentice
The Apprentice is a challenge against others for the ultimate challenge; to work with Sir Alan Sugar in a profitable business. This programme is shown later on at the night and definitely mostly caters to the needs of the Succeeder. The perfect challenge, to show you're the best and have the skill to work with a widely famous businessman. They seek the best because that's what they deserve and this makes them relate to the contestants in the Apprentice.
Age: 24
Sex: Male
Location: London
Education: University Degree in Business Studies. Knowledgeable with the world of business.
He doesn't watch TV much because of work but when he does it's mostly 'The Apprentice'. He loves making the decisions along with the contestant, laughing at the losers and convincing himself about how he could win the competition.

d)
Big Brother - Trendies, Cynics
It's hard watching TV's 'Big Brother' and not having something/someone to complain about, there's always that one person who irritates you. Talking about the show is also popular among groups.

Dragons Den - Cowboys, Innovators
'Dragons Den' is fun to watch various people get torn apart by Dragons but it is widely watched by people with Ideas, which maybe haven't been formed into a Business Plan. Never-the-less, these people plan on going on dragons Den with their idea and getting rich with the profits.

America's Next Top Model - Egotists, Drop-outs
The show 'America's Next Top Model' doesn't require much thinking power, the models are completely selfish and only care about their appearance.

Columbo - Puritans
'Columbo' is a mysterious Crime Drama which keeps the Audience guessing. Maybe not the most action filled show out but it is unique compared to other shows of the genre.

The Apprentice - Cowboys, Innovators
Similar to Dragons Den, 'The Apprentice' is a business show about profit, overcoming challenges and becoming the best Entrepreneur around.