Classwork Audience

 Here is a summary of what we have been learning about in class. We learned about different types of  audience theories.

Audience Theory

Hypodermic Needle

Not really a working theory anymore

It assumes the audiences as a sponge, absorbing ideologies from the media passively, without any questions.

Case Study: 1939, Orson Welles radio adaptation of War of the Worlds was broadcast to Americans who then truly believed that they were hearing the report of a real alien invasion.

Two Step Flow

Expand the passive audience theory to suggest that people have their interpretations formed by opinion leaders (Trusted members of the community >>> celebrities, influencers)

Audience Theory

Blumler & Katz - Uses & Gratification

The audience is actively using the media to satisfy some of our base social needs;

Diversion: A form of escapism from the stresses and strains of life. Maybe all media falls into this group. 

Personal Identity: The media supplies us with role models and ways of understanding our place in society.

Social Relationships:

1) People make connections with performers they see on the screen 

2) People form relationships with people in society when discussing the media product

Surveillance: Audiences use the media to gather information.

reflection: I did not come to school when this was being tasked so My teammate kristine helped me out and said i could just take it from her blog