Defining/Classifying Audience

Question 1(a)

The Mainstream

Mainstreamers are the largest group in the world/our society. Mainstream, as a basic term, means to follow the crowd and stick to the popular things, they could also be called sheep as they are a very passive audience and just follow what goes on. They tend to like popular media texts like;  'X-Factor', 'Britain's got Talent', etc. These media texts are generally wanted by the Mainstreamers as it can be used for conversational needs and they could also be quite popular in the social circle of the Mainstream group of society

The Aspirer

The Aspirer part of society is mostly found among the upper class who would be looking for something to help them make themselves look, as this society is mostly driven by the opinions and perceptions of other.  I felt that 'Tatler' would greatly fit the Aspirer, which is a magazine that looks into beauty and fashion. In it are models advertising the produces shown in this media text which link up to the view of looks in Aspirer society as an Aspirer would want to look like the classy models in the magazine. They could use this magazine as a source of  fashion tips, ideas and big named brands which will give them knowledge of the next big fashion statement and give them confidence about the views of others.

The Succeeder

The Succeeders are those who seek reward and often look for the best because they feel that is what they deserve. They are very organised individuals and have many ambitions for themselves, they also have a lot of self confidence and keep to the status quo. I think that a good media text of the Succeeder would be 'Strictly Come Dancing'. This is because they can decide for themselves which person they feel is worthy/good in their opinion and who is not. They could also greatly relate to the judges, who have the power over the contestants. This is because they possess a domination position of responsibility in society in the same way that the judges of the show possess their positions of responsibility when it comes to whether or not a contestant stays or goes.

The Explorer

The Explorers are the part of society that are polar opposites to the Mainstreamers, they want media texts that are different and new. They could be described as the outcasts of society as they find interest in things that the majority of society find strange or do not share the same view. The Explorers are always up to try out new things and they like media producers that offer indulgence, instant effects and 'new' sensations. They basically enjoy discovering new things and love feeling like they've learnt something from it. I feel that the media text that would appeal to The Explorers would be ‘Inception’. This is because 'Inception' is a media text for the open minded. It talks a lot about dreams and reality as well as how the two can mold together. It can be very confusing and hard for the average majority of society to grasp, which The Explorers aren't. Open-minded individuals who are ready for something different and/or new, which could also help them discover something, like The Explorers would find great appeal in movies like 'Inception'.

(b)

I find that these kinds of categories are quite useful as it makes it easier to produce a product with a specific audience in mind and make it appeal to them with those things they enjoy, however the categories are quite vague with their descriptions and such. Many people could identify with multiple categories, as a lot of the population could see themselves have a bit of mainstream in the but also something else that could/could not be in these categories, which doesn't help a media text producer find the correct audience completely. 

(c)

The TV Show I am using to create this brief audience profile is Family Guy.

Name: Jake

Gender: Male

Age Group: 30s

Family: Father of 3, Lives with them and wife. (3, 8, 14)

Self Image: Hard Working Husband.

Class: C2

Nation: British

Ethnicity: White

Education: High School Educated

Religion: Raised Christian, Now Atheist

Politics: No opinion, mentality of 'it doesn't effect me directly'

(d)

I believe that The Mainstream would enjoy the media text I have used for the brief audience profile as it greatly matches to them than it does to the other 3 Lifestyle Categories. It doesn't fit with the Aspirer as it doesn't improve the image they present to others and it is also not a show very popular with the upper class. It doesn't match with The Succeeder as there is no dominant position in this show and they really gain nothing from watching. It doesn't match the Explorer as the show is quite popular in society and doesn't really help you learn/discover anything. It greatly fits The Mainstream because of it's popularity, mainstream topics and how you can easily spark a conversation about it with someone within a Mainstreamer's friend circle.