1. (A)

The mainstreamer are individuals who believe daily routines are fundamental and live in the world of the everyday. Their choices in life are usually to follow the crowd and the social norms - 'we' rather than 'me'. Across the world, this is the largest group within the 4C's. The mainstreamers core need and want in life is security; meaning they respond to large, established brands and 'family' brands, as they offer value for money.
A media text I would say is suitable for the mainstream group is franchised films. This is due to the fact they will already know what to expect from the film, providing security. As they already trust the text, they do not feel as though they are taking a risk; they find reliability in the text. Another text the mainstreamer may enjoy is Disney. The brand has an established track record and all products, films, TV shows, etc.. are guaranteed to entertain the audience (usually of a younger age group) and can provide nostalgia, which the meainstreamer may find comfort in.

The succeeder are individuals whose core need in life is for control. They also tend to be organised, they may be extremely ambitious and have a lot of self-confidence. This leads to them occupying positions of responsibility within society, therefore, investing in the status quo - usually resulting in them supporting it. However, they tend to seek prestige and the best of the best where brands are regarded, with the belief that, that is what they deserve. However - as they have an aggressive attitude to life - they require occasional relaxing time, meaning they also have a want for caring, protective brands.
I predict the succeeder would consume media texts such as health foods as it allows them to have a control over their appearance along with their diet. Additionally, they may invest in an Apple watch as its features differ from the typical watch. Alongside this, the Apple watch offers organisation and control, which the succeeder would enjoy.

The core need in life for the explorer is discovery. Their drive in life is for new frontiers and challenges, Explorers are often the first group of people to try new things, whether that be ideas or experiences. Resulting in them responding best to brands offering new sensations, instant effects and indulgence.
One media text I believe the explorer would enjoy is amateur bands and singers as they potentially offer something different from the popular and known artists, providing the individual with a new, unique experience which they will enjoy, until the band or singer grows in popularity. Similar to this, depending on the game, the explorer may enjoy early access games. As the game is brand new and not yet released, the explorer has found something new which offers them a brand new experience.

The aspirer is a materialistic individual whose core need in life is for status. Their drive is how they are judged and other peoples perceptions about them, rather than their own values. This causes them to respond best to what people believe to be superficial; image, persona, charisma, appearance and fashion, etc.. The attractiveness of the pack is just as important as its contents in the eyes of the aspirer.
Products from currently trendy brands will appeal to the aspirer, especially, if not solely, if their logo or name is clearly printed on the item, meaning their brand choice is visible to the people around them. Furthermore, they may be interested in magazines such as ELLE and VOGUE, as they feature many high-end fashion pieces and some of the top models. This could meet the desires of the aspirer as it shows models they may want to look like flaunting products they may want to purchase.


1.(B)

Personally, I do believe these categories to be helpful. Despite this, as the audience is created by a mass of individuals with unique tastes meaning that these categories may not apply to each individual and certain people could be in numerous categories.
The mainstreamer is an example of the categorization being accurate as well as inaccurate. The majority of society fits into this group as they do not wish to differ from the social norms and enjoy to follow the crowd. However, they may also like to seek out others' approval and, as a result, mostly indulge in media texts they are aware that is popular within their local environment.


1. (C)
Currently, the show The X-Factor' is on the TV. This show follows singers competing to win a record deal with an established company. I would suggest that this show would appeal most to the mainstreamer as it is shown on Saturday and Sunday nights. Meaning adults with children living with them or responsibilities restricting them from going out during the evening may turn to the show for entertainment. Alongside people with families and responsibilities - perhaps work - the show may be targeted at audience members aged anywhere from teenagers (16+) to mid-thirty year olds and potentially older. I believe this to be true as each of them would find a way to relate to the contestants thanks to their various age groups, and those members who do not relate, will find it entertaining. Furthermore, the show is potentially aimed at lower class audience members (E, D and C) as before each advert break, a competition for a large sum of money is announced which could attract lower class members. Similar to this, many contestants of the show come from similar backgrounds to many audience members watching, which could inspire the mainstreamer with the traditional 'rags to riches' ideology. Enforcing a belief that, if they have a talent like the contestants on the show, they will be able to gain fame and fortune, allowing them to dream of a better life; this is providing escapism for the audience.


1. (D)

The game-show 'deal or no deal' may appeal to 'cowboys' as the prize is a large sum of money and the game is won by luck, which is arguably the easiest way to make money. Re-runs of old shows, sites like Netflix and the 'on demand' option on certain TV boxes could possibly appeal to 'traditionalists' as it is the same show, accessible at any point in time. For 'puritans' charitable adverts which contain information of where donations are sent to may be appealing as it makes giving easier. The popular show 'keeping up with the kardashians' may appeal to 'groupies' as it allows them to involve themselves in social interactions. Similar to this, as the show 'stranger things' is currently very popular, 'trendies' may watch it in order to fit in with their peers - if they also watch the show. 'Utopians' may enjoy texts similar to documentaries which raise awareness on specific topics, therefore, educating people on these things and allowing them to grow to be more accepting of them and not have prejudice towards certain people.