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.
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