Media Studies key terms

A game mechanic through which players obtain items, such as collectible cards, through chance-based draws.

A person, such as an editor, owner or senior journalist, who influences which stories are selected for publication.

The view that gender differences and associated behaviours are inherent and fixed, rather than socially created.

Socially constructed expectations about people's roles, behaviour and identities in relation to gender.

A category of media products recognised through shared features and conventions.

A recognisable feature commonly associated with a particular type of media product, which helps audiences identify what to expect.

The combination of conventions from different genres within one media product.

Dividing an audience into groups according to location, such as country, region or type of settlement.

Meaning communicated through bodily movements, posture and gestures.

The increasing international connections involved in producing, distributing and consuming media.

Media financed directly through government money, rather than principally through sales or advertising.

Funding provided directly by government, for example for a public information campaign.

The satisfaction or pleasure an audience member gains from using a media product.

Unconventional, usually low-budget promotion that surprises audiences through memorable experiences in public places.

News about matters of public importance, such as government policy, elections and economic decisions.

A historically Black college or university in the United States, with a historical role in educating Black Americans.

The main heading of a news story, which attracts attention and establishes an angle on the events.

The ability to understand and use health information to make appropriate decisions about care.

In Propp’s theory, a character who directly assists the hero during the quest.

In Propp’s theory, the character who pursues a quest and attempts to solve the narrative’s problems.

A narrative pattern in which a central character faces challenges and develops through a journey, often with guidance from others.

An approach that treats heterosexual relationships as the normal or default form of relationships.

An image format with greater resolution and visible detail than standard definition.

The circumstances of a particular period, including events and developments that influence a media product’s creation.

Ownership or control of businesses operating at the same stage of production, such as several newspaper publishing businesses.

A publication’s consistent visual identity, created through recurring choices such as typography, colour and layout.

A media product that combines conventions from two or more genres.