Media Studies key terms

The process of building an intended meaning into a media product through its codes and conventions.

An unanswered question or mystery that encourages audiences to continue following a narrative.

A feature that creates an unanswered question or mystery and encourages an audience to seek its solution.

A group of central performers whose characters share the narrative focus, rather than one star dominating the programme.

Using media for enjoyment, relaxation or diversion from everyday life.

A relatively stable state in a narrative before a disruption or after a problem has been resolved.

Using media to divert attention temporarily from everyday routines or worries.

The view that gender categories have inherent characteristics which naturally define their behaviour and attributes.

An identity connected with shared cultural heritage, ancestry or traditions. It is not interchangeable with nationality.

Leaving material or elements out of a media product.

The public screening of a film, for example in a cinema or at a film festival.

Background information that helps the audience understand the characters, setting or situation.

An artistic approach that uses stylised or abstract imagery to convey inner emotions rather than simply reproduce external reality.

Deliberately false information presented as news to deceive audiences, often for political or commercial advantage.

In Propp’s theory, a character who claims credit for the hero’s actions or attempts to take their reward.

A person with a strong interest in or attachment to a particular media product, performer or character.

A community and culture of fans whose engagement with a media product can include discussion, participation and creative activity.

Qualities and behaviours that a society associates with being feminine; these associations can change across cultures and over time.

An approach which examines gender inequalities and supports equal rights, opportunities and power for women.

An approach which examines gender inequality, power and the ways media representations reinforce or challenge unequal treatment.

An approach which examines how representations construct gender and power, including whether women are empowered, subordinated or objectified.

A recurring stereotype of a dangerous, seductive woman who manipulates others.

Information an organisation collects directly through its relationship with users, which can help it understand and categorise its audience.

A prominent programme that helps represent an organisation’s identity, reputation and quality.

A move to an earlier event within a narrative.

A collection of related media products sharing a recognisable brand, characters or fictional world.

The ability to communicate ideas and opinions, including views that others may dislike, subject to legal limits.