Eduqas GCSE Media Studies key terms

The UK regulator responsible for enforcing standards in television broadcasting, including rules intended to protect under-eighteens.

Access to media at a time chosen by the user rather than only at its scheduled broadcast time.

Accessing media at a time chosen by the user rather than only when it is scheduled for broadcast.

A service that lets audiences choose when to access available programmes rather than follow a broadcast schedule.

Access to media at a time selected by the user rather than only at a scheduled broadcast time.

Media content accessed through the internet, including websites, social media and streaming services.

A UK law that places safety duties on services including social media platforms and search services, with enforcement by Ofcom.

An interpretation that recognises but rejects the intended meaning, reading the product from a conflicting viewpoint.

A largely one-sided sense of personal connection that an audience member develops with a media figure who does not know them personally.

Settings that allow adults to manage children’s access to features such as communication and spending.

Media through which users contribute, share or discuss content rather than only receive it.

An audience understood as receiving media messages with little questioning or independent interpretation.

A social system in which men hold disproportionate power and authority.

Pan-European Game Information: the system used to classify video games by age suitability and identify relevant content and interactive risks.

A music video form that shows an artist singing, rapping, dancing or playing instruments.

The public image or personality that someone presents to an audience.

The use of media to explore, express or reinforce a person’s sense of who they are or who they would like to be.

An audio programme made available online for streaming or downloading, often as part of a series.

A shot that shows what a character appears to be looking at, aligning the viewer with that character’s viewpoint.

A drama that focuses on the work and methods of police officers as they investigate crimes.

The political events, debates, institutions and viewpoints that influence a media product and its production.

The capacity of a media product or sign to communicate more than one meaning.

An interpretation that accepts the meaning or viewpoint the producer encourages.

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

The qualities of a finished media product that suggest the resources used to make it, such as major stars, expensive locations or elaborate effects.

The inclusion of branded products within a programme or other media product as part of a commercial arrangement.

A character function identified by Vladimir Propp, such as a hero pursuing a quest or a helper assisting the hero.

A character role derived from Vladimir Propp’s analysis of stories: the hero acts to overcome a threat or resolve a problem.