“Reading” Mass Media Texts

 

  Source (Who is communicating?)

• Where does this text come from? Who created it? Who owns it?
• How is this text distributed or sold to the public? Who profits?
   

  Audience and Purpose (To whom is it communicated? What is the purpose of the communication?)

• What is the purpose of this text? Entertainment? Information? Persuasion?
• Who is the intended (target) audience?
• How and why might this text appeal to its intended audience?
• How does this text appeal to you? What things do you like and dislike?
   

  Message (What is being communicated?)

• What does this text appear to be saying on a surface level?
• What are the values and ideology behind this text? Does the text present the beliefs of one particular group?
• What stereotypes, if any, are presented? To what effect?
• To what extent do you share these beliefs?
   

  Form and Conventions (What medium is used? What are its conventions?)

• What medium was used?
• What techniques are used to reach and hold the audience?
• How was the text made? What production techniques were used?
• What rules and laws affect this text (e.g., running time, copyright)?

Source:
http://journalism20.wikispaces.com/Assignment+Reading+Media+Texts