Audience theory

Audience Theory: Media Effects

1.       In class you have been learning about the Uses and Gratifications Model. According to this theory, audience engage with media texts for the following for reasons:

o   Entertainment

o   Information

o   Social

o   Escapism

2.       What are the limitations of this theory?

It’s simplistic

Ignores the target audience. Such as the social and cultural parts.

A TV show like EastEnders may be declared entertainment, but some people may not see it as entertaining.

3.       Does it encompass all of your viewing needs? What other needs might audiences have that are not identified?

It might not involve everyones needs because everyone has different needs, some similar, but different none the less. It might miss out peoples need for social interaction because you may want to talk to someone about the ending of a famous tv, but all your friends don’t want to you to talk to them about it