New Media

New Media is quite literally what it is named, new media developments and advances which have arguably played a dramatic influence on all aspects of modern day life. These new media advances such as the internet providing notable sites such as YouTube and social networking sites have now made it easier for everyone to broadcast themselves onto the internet and either lead to instant fame for all the right or all the wrong reasons or simply to broadcast themselves in whatever format and go unnoticed. In more simplistic terms new media often refers to 'on demand content' in which audiences can 'stream' content 'on demand' at any point of the day whenever and wherever it pleases. On-line formats such as BBC iPlayer, 4OD and 5 On Demand are all examples of these new media formats in which both pre recorded and live streaming content can be viewed. There are many positives to these technological advances as now viewing media texts is not simply rushing to the television to catch a show but simply 'catching up' when and where it is suitable for each audience members liking, making audience viewing flexible and fitting to each individual persons liking.

Audiences Continued

Mass Audience - the term 'mass audience' refers to those from within the entire audience of media texts whom consume mainstream/popular texts coming mainly from examples such as soap operas and sitcoms. Mass audiences include that of women, men, children and overall adults therefore a piece of media text that provides entertainment for all age groups. 'Friends' and 'Top Gear' are good examples of a programme with Mass audience.

Niche Audience - Niche audiences on the other hand focus on the opposite to a mass audience. There audience is more specific and aimed at that of a particular type of audience with a unique interest. Media Texts such as magazines write about stamp collection and bird watching are clear examples of media texts with a niche audience.

Audience Research -

Audience research is a key concept to any media texts production, research into the audience gives the producer of the media text a clear indication into the interests of the chosen target audience and thereby creating almost a template in which to structure there media text. Research comes in formats such as questionnaires, pre film screenings and focus groups. A lot of time and money is put into the practise of audience research as fundamentally it could be the reason for pure successes or failure of the piece.

http://www.thinkbox.tv/server/show/nav.914

The above link provides a clear in depth analysis as to how audiences are categorised.

Audiences

An audience is a group of people who view any form of media text. All professional pieces of text are created with audience in mind otherwise known as a 'target audience'. Audience is a key concept to producers when creating any form of media text as not only does it provide the core to the piece of media text but will ensure its success should the piece be targeted and appeal correctly to the audience.

Without an audience there would be no purpose behind any media text as the soul purpose of media text is for the viewer/audience to 'consume' in whatever form it may be and for whatever purpose, whether it be entertainment, educational or for other purposes. Without an audience not only would the media texts been of no means for purpose but would also result in no profit to the producers of the media text.

 

Uses And Gratifications -

Media theorist Katz and Blumler proposed a theory from in depth research that audiences watch forms of media text for a variety of key reasons.

1.) To inform themselves of current events, historical, political and social events and so forth in which builds self confidence in knowledge and information of current and previous affairs in the world building a sense of 'security' to the audience.

2.) Another for that of 'personal identity' to support and reinforce personal values of each individual of the audience a key modern example comes in the media form of 'social networking' a good example 'Twitter' in which the individual can be selective about those who they chose to 'follow' and hear of there personal beliefs in which may support there own personal views and therefore gives a reinforcement of personal identity.

3.) A final key point Katz and Blumler suggest is that audiences consume media texts for 'integration and social interaction' giving an insight of social and cultural events across the world as an 'insight' and therefore providing a sense of belonging through interaction such examples comes from that of documentaries. Further on this can also involve being able to interact with social events through live feeds and updates of those the audience know and therefore creating a sense of involvement and 'being in the  know'.

The Impact Of Technology Development On Audience -

Through the years the way in which media texts have been able to communicate toward the audience have dramatically developed. originally audiences would have consumed media text through the use of TV, radio and print. Now however whilst these forms of communication still exist further technology advances such as the creation of 'Smart Phones' and 'iPads/Tablets' and not forgetting  internet behind all new 'digital technology' now all contribute to forms in which the audience can consume media text.

However with digital technology advances comes with an increase in uncertainty as to how an audience can be defined. Whilst overall it can be agreed that a large group of people consuming a media text at the same time are the audience. At the same time these audiences are outdated and audiences have now become 'fragmented' due to technological advances and how the audience consume media texts through larger developments of convenience and capability for more to consume media texts.