Unit 1: Media products and audiences L.O. – What is Unit 1 and what do we have to do to succeed?

How are we assessed for this unit? Assessment for this unit is in the form of an examination 2 hour written paper Worth 80 marks Comprises of short answer questions and questions requiring an extended response (see exam paper) You’ll be given an insert providing research data to be analysed for certain questions (see insert)

What are your thoughts about the exam paper. Print it off What are your thoughts about the exam paper? Print it off. Look at the insert, questions and mark scheme. Put it in your folder to refer to later in the course.

All media institutions work to create products that meet the needs of specific target audiences. (you don’t need to make notes on the next slides, as this information can be found on the netherhallmedia website)

The aim of this unit is for you to: develop your understanding of how different media institutions operate. 

You will therefore learn: The different ownership models in the media industries  How to analyse different media products within the sector  The fundamentals of how meaning is created for audiences How audiences are categorised, researched and targeted  How media institutions distribute and advertise their products. 

What if I don’t manage to pass the examination? You will take the examination in January If you do not pass the exam then you cannot get the extended diploma If you do not do well then the examination can be retaken once…but we aim to do well first time!

What the students say… We will look at three short videos where the students discuss the Unit 1 examination Make brief notes outlining their thoughts What did they find hard/easy? What tips can you take away? You will feed back at the end of the three films

So what next? We will start looking at the types of media producers and who owns them and how they target texts to specific audiences We will develop examination skills so that we can incorporate what we have learnt into written form

Your task (in pairs): Your examination will get you to focus on one media area and product, but you will also need an awareness of a range of media sectors and how they work together. Using the computers, alongside your own knowledge, research companies that operate within the media sectors and the products they produce. Put your findings in a table like this:

Companies and products by media sector (you will feed back your findings to the group) Company Product/brand Film Television and radio Video games Print and publishing Web and online technologies Music

Homework Ensure you have printed off the examination for Unit 1 (the mark scheme is at the end of the exam paper) and the insert Highlight the key words in the questions (we will discuss these next lesson)

Extension activity Think of a media text you enjoy consuming Investigate the organisation that produces this text Investigate who are the target audience. How does the text appeal to this group?