‘Audience Effects Theory’

 1) Write a definition of a passive audience: 

One that enters a film and simply seeks out the film for entertainment. 

2) Write a definition of an active audience:

When an audience is engaging, interpreting, and responding to media messages and are able to question the message. 

3) Write a definition of the hypodermic needle theory:

A linear communication theory which suggests that media messages are injected directly into the brains of a passive audience.

4) Write down a media product (e.g. TV show, newspaper or videogame) for each category of Blumler and Katz's Uses and Gratifications theory and WHY it fits that particular audience use/gratification. The first one is done for you: 

INFORMATION/SURVEILLANCE: Media text - The Times newspaper
 > Why: It tells audiences important information about politics, the world and more.

PERSONAL IDENTITY: 
 > Why: The unique numerical identity of a person over time. 

DIVERSION/ENTERTAINMENT: 
 > Why: The act or activity of providing pleasure or amusement especially for the public.

RELATIONSHIPS:
 > Why: often centred on passion and drama.

5) Re-watch the clip from Blue Planet above and write a paragraph analysing how elements of the clip offer the audience pleasures or gratifications (use media terminology from Uses and Gratifications theory and the 3 Vs - notes outlined above). 

First opening with the introduction of the Artic, the cold region at the Northern Pole of the Earth, the narrator discusses the geography of the land. In this, he mentions that the Arctic is a frozen ocean that is surrounded by continents.