Defining/Classifying Audiences - Homework

1.a. The Mainstream are a large group of people who live in the world of the domestic and the everyday. They live their lives based on daily routine and their life choices are 'we' rather than 'me'. Based on this I think they would consume media texts such as 'Eastenders'. I think this as it is a show that is on everyday therefore it fits in with the Mainstreams daily routine. Also, 'Eastenders' is something that most working class people watch therefore they can talk to others about it as well as relating to the characters.

The Succeeder are confident, goal-oriented people who tend to support the norm. They are people who seek out the best because that is what they feel they deserve. Because of this, I think that the Succeeder would watch TV shows like 'The Apprentice'. I think this because people on that show are goal-oriented therefore the Succeeder would be able to relate to them. Also, the people who go on the show are usually of a higher class and are aspiring business men and women which is similar to the Succeeder,

The Explorer are people who are driven by a need for discovery and they are often the first people to try out new ideas and experiences. They seek out difference which is why I think they would enjoy VR (virtual reality). I think they would enjoy this as it is a relatively new invention that not many people have. If the Explorer where to use VR then they would be seeking something different and discovering something new which is their core need in life. VR offers a new sensation which is what Explores tend to want.

The Aspirer are materialistic people who are driven by other peoples perceptions of them rather than by their own values. The perfect type of media for them would be 'Britain's Next Top Model' as it is a show which judges people based on how they look which is what the Aspirers do. The Aspirer would enjoy this as they would feel they related to not only the contestants but also the judges. This is because they would know what it feels like to try and look your best but they would also be judging the contestants because of their appearances.

b. I think that these categories are only useful in defining audiences in some situations. I think this because many people fall under the Mainstream category, in fact the majority of the population do, however these categories don't cater to everyone. I say this because some people are more than one, or even a mix of all of them, and there is no category for them to be classified into. Someone cause be a part of the Mainstream category but also seek the best and there is no category. Although in cases of the Mainstream these categories are useful, they should not be the only way in which we classify audiences.

c. The TV programme which is currently on is 'Friends'. 'Friends' is a 90's TV show that aired from 1994 to 2004 and is set in New York City. The show is aired at all times of the day but mainly in the late afternoon therefore I would say its audience would be the unemployed, people who have a part-time job or those who work a 9 to 5 job. I would say that it is aimed at people in their twenties and thirties as that is how old the characters are however it is still watched by the people who watched it originally therefore many of the viewers will be middle aged. Because it was originally aimed at twenty year olds, it still appeals to young people even in this generation. I would say that the viewers could be anyone whether they are single, married and have children or don't have children as the show is about the characters lives and relationships. I think the audience would be mainly women as the TV show is about relationships and friendship and stereotypically women are more interested in that kind of thing however the humour in it would appeal to anyone.

d. I think that 'Eastenders' would appeal to the lifestyle category of 'groupies' as they want to be accepted by those around them and lots of people watch 'Eastenders' therefore they are guaranteed to be accepted by others if they watch it. I think 'The Apprentice' would appeal to the lifestyle category of 'innovators' as they would probably watch the show to get ideas and will probably be aspiring business people or entrepreneurs who want to make their mark on the world. I think that VR would appeal to the lifestyle category of 'Drifters' as the viewers are trying something different and new therefore they probably are not sure what they want. I think that 'Britain's Next Top Model' would appeal to the lifestyle category of 'trendies' as they may be looking for style tips which will help them get the admiration of their peer groups. I think 'Friends' would appeal to the lifestyle category of 'groupies' as it is a very well known TV show that lots of people love therefore people may watch so that they are accepted by others. Because 'Friends' is an old TV show it may also fall into the 'traditionalists' lifestyle category as they may watch to remind themselves of their past and what they used to watch when they where younger and they may want everything to stay the same.