Posts

MIGRAIN: Introduction to feminism

Everyday Sexism 1- This is because during one week, 18 months ago she was sexually assaulted in public 3 times. This led for her to start to, 'Everyday Sexism Project' so that she could help others who have shared the same experiences as her.  2-  The Everyday Sexism project highlights the ongoing, often subtle, forms of gender discrimination that women face daily, showing that inequality persists despite claims of gender equality. This links to post-feminism, which suggests that feminism’s goals have largely been achieved and that women now have freedom of choice, often downplaying systemic sexism. The project challenges this notion, illustrating that feminism is still necessary in Western societies to address structural and cultural inequalities, not just overt discrimination. 3- it provided a platform for people to share their experiences widely and instantly. Social media and online tools allowed the project to reach a global audience, collect thousands of personal st...

MIGRAIN: Introduction to Representation

  1) Why is representation an important concept in Media Studies? Because everything in the media is a re-presentation of reality, shaped by producers’ choices. Studying representation helps us understand how media construct meanings, communicate values and ideologies, and influence how audiences see people, groups and events. 2) How does the example of Kate Middleton show the way different meanings can be created in the media? The article shows how photographs of Kate Middleton are selected, cropped, captioned and placed in context by gatekeepers. The same image can create positive or negative meanings depending on editorial choices, demonstrating how representation is constructed, not neutral. 3) Summarise the section 'The how, who and why of media representation' in 50 words. Media representations are constructed through choices made by producers, shaped by audience, genre, narrative and institutional aims. Meaning is created through selection and omission. Repeated represe...

MIGRAIN: Industries - Regulation

1) What is regulation and why do media industries need to be regulated? Regulation is the system of rules put in place to control how industries operate, enforced by an official authority. In the media industry, regulation ensures that organisations act fairly, responsibly, and within the law. One reason why we may need regulation within the media industry is to  protect audiences from harmful or offensive content, such as violence, misinformation, or material that could negatively affect children. Secondly, it ensures accuracy and fairness , preventing the spread of false information and encouraging balanced reporting, especially in news media. 2) What is OFCOM responsible for? OFCOM, Which stands for the office of communication and the advertising industries which is regulated by the advertising standings and authority. They are responsible for  for making sure that media content follows strict rules to protect audiences. This includes ensuring programmes are appropria...

MIGRAIN: Hesmondhalgh - The Cultural Industries

 1) Refers to industries involved in the creation, production and distribution of products . These include film, television, music, publishing, advertising, video games, and digital media.  2) Hesmondhalgh argues that cultural industries are most profitable in societies that support large corporations and their political allies . These societies usually have constant demand for new products, low regulation, economic and political stability, and a workforce willing to work hard . Profitability depends on systems that favour corporate power. 3) This happens because cultural industry companies must compete for audiences . To stand out, they often produce content that appears shocking, rebellious, or critical of power . There is also a long tradition that art should question institutions and social inequalities , which audiences expect from media texts. 4) Hesmondhalgh identifies several problems with the cultural industries, including the fact that they are a risky busi...

MIGRAIN: Industries - Public service broadcasting

  Ofcom review of PSB in Britain 1) It is a critical time for public service broadcasting because the way audiences watch TV is changing quickly. More people are choosing online and on-demand services instead of live television. At the same time, PSB faces growing competition from global streaming companies like Netflix and YouTube. This puts pressure on PSB to continue delivering its public service role. 2) TV viewing has moved away from live broadcast television towards on-demand and online platforms. Audiences now prefer to watch programmes when it suits them rather than at scheduled times. Younger viewers in particular are watching less traditional TV. Services such as Netflix, YouTube and broadcaster catch-up services have grown rapidly. 3) Audiences value PSB for providing trustworthy and accurate news. They also enjoy programmes that reflect UK life, culture and different communities. Content that informs, educates and entertains is still seen as important. These q...

MIGRAIN: Audience theory 2 - the effects debate

  Theory questions and your opinion 1)  Social learning theory argues that audiences may imitate behaviour they see in the media, particularly when violence is rewarded or shown without consequences. However, this theory is often criticised for oversimplifying the causes of violence by placing too much responsibility on media texts and not enough on social, economic, and psychological factors. While the media may influence attitudes towards violence, it is unlikely to be the sole cause of anti-social behaviour. Many people consume violent media without behaving violently, suggesting that audiences are active rather than passive. Factors such as upbringing, peer groups, mental health, and social inequality play a much greater role. Therefore, the media should be seen as a contributing influence rather than a direct cause of violence. 2)  Social learning theory is arguably more relevant in the digital age because young people are exposed to a constant stream of content thro...

MIGRAIN: Industries - Ownership and control

  Media conglomerate research 1)   Alphabet is tech conglomerate that owns google, youtube, google maps and android. It shows horizontal integration by owning multiple digital platforms and vertical integration through controlling search, ads and distribution. All of the devices and companies link up with google such as using there apps Additionally,  Disney is a media conglomerate which owns marvel, pixar, ABC and disney+. It uses horizontal integration by buying other studios, and vertical integration by producing films and distributing them on disney+. Disney shows synergy through linked films, merchandise and theme parks, and is diversified into cruises, parks and streaming. National Amusements owns paramount, CBS, nickelodeon, MTV and Paramount+. It uses horizontal integration through many TV networks and vertical integration by producing and streaming its own content.  Meta owns facebook, instagram, whatsapp and meta quest. It shows horizontal int...