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The application of Uses and Gratification Theory to serial television dramas. The theory, proposed by Blumler and Katz in 1974, identifies four broad needs fulfilled by media consumption: diversion, personal relationships, personal identity, and surveillance. Serial television dramas are argued to satisfy these needs particularly well due to their continuing storylines, audience engagement, and ability to provide information and explore identity. examples and exercises to help students apply the theory.
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A Investigate media products.
B Explore how media products are created to provide meaning and engage audiences.
Blumler and Katz (1974) listed 4 broad needs fulfilled by watching TV:
Blumler and Katz (1974) listed 4 broad needs fulfilled by watching TV:
The Uses and Gratifications Model
suggests that we make active use
of things that we see in the
media= Active Audiences
▪ It could be suggested that serial television dramas fit this theory really quite well and better than most other media texts. They do, of course, provide great entertainment a nd certa inly a diversion or escape from everyda y routines. ▪ T he fa ct tha t there is a continuing storyline throughout the series a nd sea sons ena bles the audience to discuss the storyline with others , forming a sense of community and a relationship w ith the progra mme. ▪ A n episode ma y end w ith a cliff - hanger , lea ving una nsw ered questions w hich lea d the audience to come back to find out the answers. ▪ T hey ca n, of course, learn new things a nd ga ther new informa tion about life and the different situations represented in the serial TV drama. ▪ T here ca n a lso be a sense of identify with the pressures the characters in a seria l T V dra ma a re reflecting.
Who are the target audience for Humans?
Sub-genre? Why do these audiences watch the show?
Using the Uses and Gratification theory, identify what need is fulfilled by watching the show.
Why do you feel that this trailer conforms to that particular gratification?
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