AQA GCSE Media Studies key terms

An interpretation that differs from the producer’s intended meaning, including an unexpected interpretation or a missed cultural reference.

An audience that makes choices about media, interprets it and may discuss, share or create content rather than simply receiving messages.

A person's understanding of who they currently are, including their qualities, interests and group memberships.

The transformation of an existing work into a different media form, such as a novel becoming a television drama.

A paid promotional message placed in media space or airtime.

A rating indicating the age group for which a media product's content is suitable.

A person’s capacity to make choices and act, rather than simply have events happen to them.

The process through which media emphasis can influence which issues audiences regard as important.

The use of words, such as a headline or caption, to guide how an audience interprets an image.

A recurring character role or pattern, such as the hero pursuing a goal, recognised across different stories.

Advertising Standards Authority: the UK body that administers advertising standards, including rules requiring advertising to be obviously identifiable.

The people who watch, read, listen to, play or otherwise use a media product.

The meaning a viewer makes from a media product, shaped by the product and the viewer’s experiences, values and expectations.

The way a media product encourages audiences to adopt particular values, interpretations or relationships with its content.

An audience member’s emotional reaction, judgement or action in relation to a media product.

Dividing an audience into groups using characteristics such as location, age, income, interests or values.

The impression that an artist is genuine and true to their musical identity. This impression can itself be carefully constructed through presentation and marketing.

A character through which a player acts or represents themselves in a game.

The British Board of Film Classification, which classifies films and video content and provides advice about potentially unsuitable material.

A tendency to favour a particular viewpoint, group or interest in the selection or presentation of information.

A contrast between opposing ideas or groups, such as youth and adulthood, that helps structure meanings and conflict.

The main written text of an advertisement, explaining and promoting the product.

The income earned from cinema ticket sales.

The money generated by cinema ticket sales before deductions for costs and the shares taken by cinemas and distributors.

Text accompanying an image which identifies or explains what it shows and may guide its interpretation.

Promotion of a product or brand through association with a well-known person.

The suppression, removal or restriction of content by an authority or organisation.

Computer-generated imagery: images created or enhanced using computer software.