MEST3 mock: learner response

1) Section A: Re-do Question 1, lacks any real focus on media language.

Q1) How are media language techniques used to make the two media products appear believable and authoritative? 

Media language techniques are used to make the two media products appear believable and authoritative. A factor which does this successfully is the format of the media texts. The video is presented as a 'news style' documentary and includes camera features such as tracking, handheld camera and various shots such as close-ups to emphasise the event. Moreover, the video uses subtitles which helps audiences understand what is going on as the news story is not in English because it was shot in Egypt. To continue, the diegetic and non-diegetic sound reinforces the emotion of the women in the video. As the news story conveys traditional conventions of news stories by holding interviews with some of the women taking part in the protest (diegetic). In addition, the print news gives audiences the opportunity to participate as the bottom of the page encourages audiences to visit The Real News Reform Village and tell them how they make real news. This makes the print news authoritative as it is giving audiences a command.

2) Add a paragraph of examples for both Question 2 and 3.

Q2) How successfully are audiences in using new and digital media to represent themselves? You may also refer to other media products to support your answer.

An example of content being controlled by active audiences if the Ferguson Case in America. This involved the shooting of Michael Brown by Darren Wilson, a police officer. This case caused major controversy in the media as the 18 year old black boy was shot by a 28 year old white police officer. This resulted in protests being held and carried out not only for Michael but for the black community. Social media campaigns began taking place on Twitter where people hashtagged #blacklivesmatter. Furthermore, Facebook was also used for people to plan protests and their meeting place, time and date etc. Thousands of people attended the protests and fought for the justice of Michael Brown along with their rights. This emphasises the use of social media and the fact that new and digital media has helped audiences to represent themselves and come together.

Q3) What are the advantages and disadvantages for audiences of media products that do not rely on advertising, government or business funding? You should refer to other media products to support your answer.

One advantage of media products that do not rely on funding is that they have freedom of speech. For example, the Everyday Sexism Project was designed and started by Laura. She is a female who has experienced quite traumatic experiences with men in the past which she has been ashamed to afraid to admit. However, by designing this project it allowed thousands of other people to share their story (which they can do so through the website) and has also allowed other men and women to gain confidence and put an end to whatever experience they are going through. As this is a non-funded project, it has been beneficial as it has developed from a real story and helped several thousands of other people. Laura's project did not have to meet any requirements as no cooperation is paying her to lead the project, therefore by being honest she has helped other people.

3) Section B: Write a paragraph using Marxism/Pluralism.

7) Use your case study to evaluate whether new and digital media are a threat or an opportunity for media producers.

New and digital media can be a threat to media producers as audiences can retaliate against content and powerful cooperation's. For example, The Guardian have a comment section on their online news page where audiences can comment and disagree with news stories they publish. Pluralists would day this can therefore be a threat to The Guardian as it can reveal that their stories are bias and one comment can lead to one hundred comments of people agreeing with each other. However, from a Marxist point of view it can be argued that this is not a threat because The Guardian have the right to take these comments down if they wished. Therefore, in fact it may be an opportunity to gain more audiences and users onto their website even if it is creating debate.