Target audiences in media
- 2. The construction of an audience – When creating a film, radio station, newspaper or any other form of media outlet, everyone must consider their most suitable target audience. – They use surveys, focus groups and a range of other communication devices with the public and often spend a significantly large amount of money if there is anybody who approves of, or likes their vision.
- 3. ‘Demographics’ – Relating to the structure of populations- studies of population based on individual factors including age, gender, economic status and employment, just to name a few. – Demographics, or the study of, are used by institutions as a form of education concerning the learning of a particular population’s characteristics and preferences for many purposes, including market research.
- 4. The NRS Social grade classification scale
- 6. Pros and cons of demographics and psychographics, in my opinion. Demographics Psychographics Pros Typically, media outlets do conform to a particular demographic, for example The Sun has a target audience of the Working class. It is effective because, although it could be considered elitist, people of particular social standings to have a different perception of entertainment and news to others. As opposed to demographics, psychographics provide an insight into the personality of an individual target audience rather than social standing. Because of this, institutions can target a particular character rather than class. Cons -It could be perceived as potentially elitist. -Although it occasionally works, concerning news bulletins it may not in all cases. This is because even though two individuals may have different social standings, they may have the same interests, goals and political beliefs. An institution could potentially create a product that is aimed at a particular personality but because a range of social classes conform to this category, some may not be able to afford or have access to the product itself.
- 7. Ideal listener profile. – An ‘ideal’ listener is a radio producer’s originally intended target audience. – They are a group of individuals who are likely to be addressed, persuaded or affected by what they are listening to. – Imagining this particular audience allows a producer to target a particular group- thus ensuring their bulletin appeals to the individuals who are tuning in.