Media Messages

1. Media Messages When a film or TV show is created, it becomes a media product. Each media product is created to send a message, or an expression of a belief or opinion, that serves a specific purpose.

2. What is the purpose in a media message? • The purpose, or intent, of a media presentation is the reason it was made. All media products – from news programs to video games – are created for a specific purpose. Identifying why a media product was invented is the first step in understanding how it can influence you. The following chart shows purposes of different media products:

3. Stated Message/Underlying Message • Everywhere you go, you’re bombarded by media – advertisements, newspapers, magazines, radio, and television. Different kinds of media are all competing for your attention, telling you, “Buy this product. Listen to this music. Read this story. Look at this image. Think about this opinion.” The creators of these media products are selling messages. But they may also be sending subtle messages about values that they want you to believe in. For example:

4. An Ad for Sneakers….. It is meant to sell you shoes, but if you examine the ad more closely, you will see that it uses a set of values, such as athletic skill, to make the shoes more appealing. The add suggests that if you buy the shoes, your athletic skills will improve. It also sends the message that athletic skill is a good thing to have. TV shows, movies, and news programs also convey values and beliefs.

5. TARGET AUDIENCE A target audience is the specific group or people at whom a product or presentation is aimed. The members of a target audience usually have certain characteristics in common, such as: Age Gender Ethnic background Values Lifestyle For example, a target audience may be kids ages 8 to 12 who like chewing gum: