AQA GCSE Media Studies key terms

A prejudgement about a person or group, often involving unfair assumptions rather than consideration of individual evidence.

People already likely to watch a new product because they recognise and value its creator, stars or established brand.

Research collected first-hand for the particular investigation being carried out.

In Propp’s theory, the person or thing that forms the goal or reward of the hero’s quest.

In Propp’s theory, a role associated with the princess or prize, often combined with the princess’s role or the dispatcher’s role.

The process of developing and making a media product, including planning, filming and editing.

The inclusion of a brand or product within media content with the intention of promoting it.

Communication designed to promote a particular cause or viewpoint and influence audiences’ beliefs or behaviour.

A character’s function in a story, such as hero, helper, donor or villain, rather than simply their personality.

An audience member who both consumes and produces media content.

An audience characteristic based on interests, attitudes, values or lifestyle.

Dividing an audience according to perceived interests, lifestyles, attitudes and aspirations.

The wider benefit to society, such as exposing wrongdoing or protecting people from harm; it is not simply whatever interests an audience.

Broadcasting intended to serve the public through purposes such as informing, educating and entertaining, rather than being organised primarily to generate profit.

A company responsible for bringing a media product to market, including organising its release and commercial distribution.

A quotation selected from an article and displayed prominently to draw attention to a particular point.

Research exploring meanings, opinions, attitudes and reasons, usually through descriptive responses.

A newspaper associated with detailed reporting and analysis of subjects such as politics, business and international affairs. ‘Quality’ describes its market positioning, not a guarantee that it is unbiased.

Research producing numerical information that can be counted or measured.

Radio Joint Audience Research: the organisation that measures UK radio listening and publishes audience data quarterly.

The qualities that make a media representation seem believable, truthful or close to everyday experience.

The audience that receives and interprets a message.

The circumstances in which audiences encounter and interpret a media product.

An approach explaining how audiences actively interpret media messages and may accept, adapt or reject their preferred meanings.

A popular newspaper with a red masthead, such as the Daily Mirror.

The style of language used for a particular situation, purpose or audience, including its level of formality.

Rules and oversight governing media organisations and their content, including legal controls and industry or organisational standards.

An organisation’s specified responsibilities and purposes, which guide the services and content it provides.