The Media to give the Dictionary definition is "A Generic term used to indicate systems or vehicles used for the transmission of information and entertainment such as Television, Radio, Videotape, Newspapers and Magazines, Hoardings etc.

The Media to give the Dictionary definition is "A Generic term used to indicate systems or vehicles used for the transmission of information and entertainment such as Television, Radio, Videotape, Newspapers and Magazines, Hoardings etc. Of these the ubiquitous Television, Radio and Newspapers are generally classed as Mass Media". The Media is the means of communicating Information, Entertainment and Messages to an audience. The term Mass Media only means that it has the potential of reaching a mass audience. This means of communicating, or the systems or vehicles, can come in a large number of different forms, News Broadcasts, Political announcements, Factual information such as documentaries, entertainment programmes or features, advertisements for products or services, Travel announcements etc. The list is endless. In defining the Media today it is hard not to talk of the Mass Media. This is due in part to the technological advances in Computers in general and the Internet in particular that has taken place over the last ten years or so, in which nearly any Media announcement can be broadcast to a very large audience. In this time the real changes seen to have taken place is in the way that we receive this information. The development of the computer and Digital technology is responsible for, among many other things, the speed and quality of information. This is seen in

  • Word count: 764
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Media Studies
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What have been the consequences of multi channel fragmentation for the identity of the BBC? What problems does public service broadcasting face?

What have been the consequences of multi channel fragmentation for the identity of the BBC? What problems does public service broadcasting face? The BBC is a vital part of television in Britain; its requirements mean it must adhere to a various spheres of taste. Due to the rapid growth in various commercial cable channels, the BBC has now found itself existing amongst and competing with numerous commercial cable channels that do not have to adhere to certain principles. Whereas the BBC must provide the nation with information, education and entertainment through which, it aims to cater for the needs of all groups in society. The objective is to bring a profound social and cultural benefit to the public and reinforce the democratic and open nature of the British society. However the viewers that used to watch the BBC are now fragmented across numerous channels. Therefore the identity of the BBC is put in a critical position, where its future is being challenged by political, economic interests and by increasing competition from commercial media. The financial strains are becoming more difficult with the rapid increase in multi channel viewing. It also faces the problem of adapting to globalisation and new technologies. For the BBC to survive it must change and adapt. But how far can it go without undermining its identity? The number of people subscribing to cable channels

  • Word count: 3095
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Media Studies
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Research the historical development and social uses of a communication technology of your choice. Analyse the relationship between social/cultural contexts and technical inventions in the way it has developed and come to be used.

Research the historical development and social uses of a communication technology of your choice. Analyse the relationship between social/cultural contexts and technical inventions in the way it has developed and come to be used. Throughout the years, media industry has changed in various ways with the introduction of communication technology. Communication technology comprises of medium such as radio, telephone, Internet and television which are tools used for the transmission of information, news and ideas to the public. With the existence of such tools, 'physical distance' is no longer regarded as a barrier in the process of communication (Meyrowitz, 1997, p. 43). Television distinguishes itself as one of a communication technology which is of great magnitude in the media industry. It has been called 'overwhelmingly the most pervasive contemporary mass medium' (Collins, 1990, p. 22). The historical development of television dates back to the 1800s, when people learnt how to send communication signals through air as electromagnetic waves. The invention of television is dependent on electricity, telegraphy, photography, motion pictures and radio (Williams, 1990, p. 14). Many experimental telecasts took place in the late 1920s and 1930s. British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) of Britain and Central Broadcasting Station (CBS) and National Broadcasting Company (NBC) of US

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  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Media Studies
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Compare and contrast two different 'reality TV' shows and their associated web sites, discuss how they provide a platform for avenues of communication, marketing and interactivity. How are the audiences crafted and understood for each of these shows?

Compare and contrast two different 'reality TV' shows and their associated web sites, discuss how they provide a platform for avenues of communication, marketing and interactivity. How are the audiences crafted and understood for each of these shows? Provide specific examples. Today, it seems you can't turn on the television without coming across reality programming. Shows such as Big Brother, The Amazing Race, Average Joe, The Bachelor, Wife Swap, What Not To Wear, The Apprentice and Survivor have become increasing popular with both the American and Australian television audiences (Teven, 2004). Not so long ago, reality TV was ridiculed for being the cheap and cheesy new kid on the programming block. Now, reality TV accounts for the most successful new television shows (USATODAY.com, 2004). As a result of this increased popularity, the industry has been forced to take this genre seriously. This popularity is reason enough to give reality TV the critical attention that it so richly deserves (Mhando, 2002). European television programmers were the first to develop the concept of reality television. Then the American networks purchased some of these formats and brought them back to the United States. They also created some original formats themselves. Since the 1990's, reality TV has become a major phenomenon with most major networks screening some form of realty programming

  • Word count: 2724
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Media Studies
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Television Structure and Ownership.

Television Structure and Ownership Television is certainly one of the most influential forces of our time. Through the device called a television or TV, you are able to receive news, sports, entertainment, information and commercials. Television has change the way we live our lives, from the way we receive the new or manage our money. The television era has made a huge impact and is here to stay. Starting from the small black and white image we used to receive on big wooden boxes to huge, flat, plasma screens. It is a huge improvement in technology and has benefited us from easy access to stock prices and travel information through CEEFAX too the way you can get your bank information on digital. It has been the biggest form of communication before the internet. Recent studies has proved that the internet is taking over the viewings of TV from the way I has 950-1959 was an exciting time period for television. In the USA, B&W television exploded onto the scene at the beginning of the decade, mid-decade saw electronic colour television and remote controls launched, and at the end of the decade the public witnessed some interesting styling changes and the introduction of transistorised television. The toddler was becoming an adolescent. The knowledge of the companies that broadcast our programs is worrying, they know how many people are watching, what class, family numbers

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  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Media Studies
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"By most criteria the main significance of football in contemporary British society is as a television show" Discuss Steve Wagg's view of the relationship between football and TV in the period from c.1960.

"By most criteria the main significance of football in contemporary British society is as a television show." Discuss Steve Wagg's view of the relationship between football and TV in the period from c.1960 In order to address the question, key points of Steve Wagg's statement must firstly be assessed. The meaning of 'football as a television show' is an ambiguous one to say the least, therefore it is important to define what criteria the sport of football must meet for it to be considered 'a television show'. This essay will begin by addressing the actual presentation of football on television, the techniques used in today's programmes and the direct practical affects of televising the game. However it will move on to issues such as the effect of television on football's place in society, the blurring of the lines between broadcasting companies and clubs, and football's increasing reliance on television revenue as a means of survival. Even when the issue of football as a television show has been addressed, consideration must be paid to Wagg's claim that this is not just one of football's roles in British society, but the 'main significance.' This suggests that football now has more importance as a television programme than it does to countless other issues that include regional and national identity, escape from the reality of the rest of a football fan's life, profit

  • Word count: 3299
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Media Studies
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The insurgence of reality television (TV) into everyday life has left us increasingly asking what is real.

The insurgence of reality television (TV) into everyday life has left us increasingly asking what is real. Utilizing Leisbet Van Zoonen's argument that there is no such thing as a delivered presence or truth in cultural discourse, but inevitably a re-presence or representation (1995 p319),this paper will argue that we cannot define whether Reality TV programs such as 'Big Brother' adequately reflect reality but rather look at what is re-presented. Incorporating Theodor Adorno's 'power of the media', I will look at the themes, which have been presented throughout 'Big Brother' and the way they have impacted on Australian society. I will then assess the popularity of Big Brother in regards to audience participation, ratings and media reception, to argue that Big Brother reveals certain cultural and political notions present in the Australian psyche. Finally, I will use Erving Goffman and Judith Butler's argument that there is no 'true' or 'authentic' self but rather that we are constantly performing and adapting to what is around us. Toni Johnson Woods defines reality TV as a term encompassing a host of television programs, which can be broken into genres of lifestyle shows, talent shows, documentaries, talk shows and quiz/ game shows (2002 pp 53 - 54). Documentary in nature (narrator, naturalistic settings and unscripted conversations), yet following the format of a soap

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  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Media Studies
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TV Violence.

TV Violence Research paper by Konstantinos Tachtsidis Elements of Broadcasting Instructor: Mrs. Lambrou Date: 5/4/2001 "Any act that involves physical or psychological force, with or without a weapon, resulting in, or significantly increasing the likelihood of death or injury to another person can be defined as violence". One of the most controversial issues over the past years in modern society has been the effect of television violence on viewers. Although the issue of TV violence has received great attention, some aspects of it remain unexamined and unverified. According to researches we don't know for sure if violence in media causes violent behavior on viewers, but it certainly has some effects. The suggestion that media influence and promote violence starts the discussion but it doesn't end it because we then have issues of censorship and artistic expression as an opposite point of view. The social group which is most affected by television violence is children. " Extensive viewing of television violence by children causes greater aggressiveness. Sometimes, watching a single violent program can increase aggressiveness. Children who view shows in which violence is very realistic, frequently repeated or unpunished, are more likely to imitate what they see. The impact of TV violence may be evident in the child's behavior or may surface years later and young people

  • Word count: 1316
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Media Studies
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Research Investigation To what extent does a music video follow the narrative set by the lyrics? The presentation of narrative within a music video can be influenced in various ways.

MS3 Research Investigation 'To what extent does a music video follow the narrative set by the lyrics?' The presentation of narrative within a music video can be influenced in various ways. These influences include the image the artist wishes to project, the forms of narrative e.g. disjuncture, reverse, illustrative and non-linear, the audience which is being targeted, the intertexual use of another form of media such as controversies which have arisen within the news about the artist e.g. Lady Gaga possibly being a hermaphrodite was challenged at the beginning Telephone1 in which a prison ward said 'I told you she didn't have a dick'. A narrative is formed by people in to make sense of a series of events e.g. a historical event from how it began to how it ended or through a collection of 'moral tales' e.g. the Aesop's fables in which a moral is explained through the use of narrative. Non-fiction events are also presented with a narrative structure e.g. a scientific breakthrough. Various theorists and philosophers have tried to explain how narrative works. Todorov suggests that all narratives begin with an equilibrium in which everything is in a balanced state, followed by a disruption which unbalances everything and then to an equilibrium state in which either the original equilibrium is restored or a new equilibrium is established. However, Claude Levi-Strauss2 observed

  • Word count: 2297
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Media Studies
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Discuss the part broadcasting and documentary has played in the development of the modern public sphere

Discuss the part broadcasting and documentary has played in the development of the modern public sphere This essay will discuss the role that documentary and broadcasting has played in the development of the modern public sphere. The first part of this essay will explore the public sphere with reference to Habermas. It will then go on to look at broadcasting and then documentary and what part they have played in the development of the modern public sphere. The public sphere involves principles, institutes and groups of people. It is a specific and changing ideal and reality. The ongoing debate is that Habermas is the starting point and that the public sphere is increasingly moving away from him. The public sphere attaches itself to ideas of citizenship and nationhood. Habermas (1989) said the eighteenth century represents a missed opportunity of tremendous potential never realised, he said we must keep striving for a democratic public sphere. In the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries a new public sphere was freedom and democratic ways. The BBC is funded through Television licensing, not through advertisement as it is for the public and not to make a profit. Habermas's view was that once activities were driven by the need to make a profit, restrictions would follow. The Television should be free of the state; offering a wide variety so more publics

  • Word count: 1928
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Media Studies
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