The Media We Want?

When it comes to the media, society is surrounded by it. It can be seen in forms such as television shows, press, radio, and the cinema. The main question surrounding the media, is do we get what we want? “The media are one of the social forces that produce popular common sense, the general social beliefs and feelings of a society” (O’Shaughnessy, Stadler, 2012, Pg. 59). Every individual has different feelings, needs, emotions and ambitions but when it comes to the media, society is looked at as a mass. In relation to television, cable makes a variety of different networks available to individuals. Those separate networks air television shows that portray what the network stands for. The network also attempts to relate to a certain demographic. For example, Space is a television network that airs television shows such as Paranormal State, Doctor Who and Destination Truth. These shows attract individuals that may believe in supernatural phenomenon such as ghosts and aliens but due to different social classes and interests, this network may not interest everyone. “The media producers, in constructing their images and stories, are reflecting various social ideas and beliefs that are held by different social groups” (O’Shaughnessy, Stadler, 2012, Pg. 59).

                Media producers realise that every individual is different, so they continue to release new forms of the media that will relate to each individual. Producers and television networks have conducted surveys to determine the age, income, interests and feelings of their viewers. Once the results get analysed, this gives the producers and networks a general idea of which type of television show or movie they should release next. “If people do not like the product, they will look elsewhere for one, so the media must satisfy their popular audience, which is predominantly working-class and about 50 per cent female” (O’Shaughnessy, Stadler, 2012, Pg. 37). The media focuses on making television shows, movies, and radio stations that targets the interest working-class females but not all media is like this. New websites, radio stations, television shows and movies release frequently and they come in all different genres. These also target different audiences with different personalities. Society is so diverse that there is something out there for every individual, and we do get the media we want. Every media form may not attract the interest of each person, but that individual will continue to search for that form of media until it is found. 

O'Shaugnessy, M., & Stadler, J. (2012). Media and Society (Fifth ed., pp. 37-59). South Melbourne, Australia: Oxford University Press.