GCSE Media Paper 2 PPE: Learner Response

Target Grade: 9
Achieved: 6 (58/84 - Need 19 more marks for a grade 9)

Question 1: 1/2
Additional points: Questions are answered later in the narrative-enigma

Question 2: 7/8
Additional points: Link evidence to the genre

Question 3: 9/12
Additional points: Use more media language and relate it to technology. Use consistent terminology.

Question 4: 17/20
Additional points: More consistent reference to social and historical context and how they influence the show (examples)

Question 5: 1/1

Question 6: 1/1

Question 7: 16/20
Additional points: Stronger judgements supported by relevant evidence. Reference news values (Galtung and Ruge)

Question 8: 6/20
Additional points: Work on TIMING. Analyse audience demographics/psychographics. Use quotes from articles. Analyse newspaper ethos'(tabloid/broadsheet, conservative/labour, hard news/soft news).


Revise:

• Galtung and Ruge news values
• Daily Mirror CSP
• The Times CSP
• Doctor Who: An Unearthly child-context and industries
• Exam practice questions

GCSE Media Paper 1 PPE-Learner Response

Target Grade-9
Achieved-8 (72/84)
I need an additional 5 marks to achieve my target grade.

Question 1: 0/2
Additional points: Learn codes and conventions

Question 2: 11/12                 
Additional points: Link answer to verbal codes

Question 3: 8/8

Question 4: 9/12
Additional points: Mention positive role model aspect of featured BAME members.

Question 5: 2/2

Question 6: 6/6

Question 7: 5/6
Additional points: Connotations of product (e.g. luxurious, sophisticated etc...). Propp's character theory. Hollywood movie era.

Question 8: 1/2
Additional points: Learn definition of vertical integration

Question 9: 8/9
Additional points: Content specifics (Zoella videos/product names). Less general/vague evidence.

Question 10: 4/6
Additional points: Give specific examples/Interactive audiences. Mention other CSP's.

Question 11: 18/20
                  Additional points: Link explanation to marketing tactics.


Revise:

• Galaxy advert CSP
• Media terminology definitions
• NHS Represent CSP 
• Narrative codes

CSP Case Studies: Final Index

Magazines: Tatler
Magazines: Reveal
Advertising and Marketing: OMO advert
Advertising and Marketing: Represent NHS advert
Advertising and Marketing: Galaxy Audrey Hepburn advert
Online, Social, Participatory and Video games: Lara Croft Go
Online, Social, Participatory and Video games: Kim Kardashian Hollywood
Online, Social, Participatory and Video games: Zoella
Television: Doctor Who-An Unearthly Child
Television: Class-Co owner of a Lonely Heart
Film Industry: Doctor Strange
Film Industry: I, Daniel Blake
Newspapers: The Daily Mirror
Newspapers: The Times
Music Videos: One Direction-History
Music Videos: Arctic Monkeys-I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor
Radio: BBC Radio 1 Launch- Tony Blackburn
Radio: Apple Beats 1-Julie Adenuga

Radio: Apple Beats 1 CSP

Background, industries and the impact of the internet

1) How have our music listening habits changed since 1960?
The media landscape for listening to music has become more saturated so people listen to radio stations less and use apps such as Spotify more. Additionally, needle time is no longer a thing so we can listen to music at any time of the day.
2) When did Apple Beats 1 Radio launch and what is it?
Apple Beats 1 Radio launched in 2015 as a free live streaming global 'always on' radio station
3) What is the difference between Beats 1 Radio, iTunes and Apple Music?
iTunes is all about media ownership, functioning as both a virtual record store and an efficient digital library for music and other media (movies, TV shows, etc) that you own personally. The software comes pre-installed on all Apple devices, and is available as a free download for non-Apple PCs and mobile devices. iTunes doesn’t require a subscription fee to use. Beats 1 Radio is an internet-based global radio station. Apple Music is all about streaming. You pay a flat fee to unlock access to Apple Music’s entire catalogue, but you don’t actually own the music you listen to. 
4) Why was Apple so keen to enter the online music world and compete with Spotify, Deezer and Amazon Music (and others)?
By entering the online music world, they could link their streaming site to iTunes and help boost sales (revenue).
5) Why did Apple choose the three selected DJs for launch? 
The DJ's have established audiences and are popular with listeners. They are also quite diverse (New Zealand, New York, Nigerian descent). Julie Adenuga has a lot of contacts in the grime industry.
6) How does the use of DJs differ from Spotify, Amazon Music and other streaming services? 
The use of DJs allow audiences to form bonds with presenters and make the show seem less formal. It is the only streaming service with DJs, making it similar to more traditional radio shows.
7) How does the content of the Julia Adenuga show differ from Radio 1? 
Julie Adenuga focuses on solely providing entertainment and music whereas other radio stations also provide news, weather, travel updates etc... Beats focuses on providing entertainment and would therefore be more suitable for younger audiences.
8) Why does Beats 1 radio give Apple the power to make or break new artists? Is this a good thing or a bad thing for the music industry?
Apple controls the music we hear on their station, which influences the music we are led to buy on iTunes. They can choose to play several songs of one artist or scarcely play another. This is bad as successful artists that have the resources to form partnerships with Apple will benefit the most(e.g.Taylor Swift). However, this could be positive as smaller artists can gain exposure.
9) Read the BBC feature on the launch of Apple Beats 1 Radio. Did the industry experts think it would be a success? Why?
Many experts assumed it would be successful but it would be competition for streaming sites rather than radio stations as it was linked to Apple music. As it was produced by a huge conglomerate, many experts were certain it would be a success.10) Give arguments for and against the idea that Beats 1 will be a threat to traditional media industries (e.g. radio stations, record shops, online music retailers etc.)

Beats 1 is owned by Apple, a very powerful/wealthy company which is at the forefront of technological advances; it is also very popular with young people. As a result of this, many people are likely to listen to Beats 1, forcing other industries to adapt and change. On the other hand, there are already many different forms of listening to music, each suited to different needs (e.g. radio when driving), that offer a more diverse range of music as beats 1 usually plays a set genre. Additionally, it requires a subscription fee which may deter some consumers.

Audience

1) Who is the target audience for Beats1 and Julia Adenuga in particular? Refer to demographics and psychographics.
Beats 1 is targeted at young working/middle class people, mainly mainstreamers.2) Why do people listen to Beats1? Which aspects of Blumler and Katz’s Uses and Gratifications theory relate to Beats 1 and its audience?
Personal relationships-audiences can form bonds with the DJs
Diversion-relaxing/entertainment
Surveillance-information on new music/artists.3) Can the audience actively interact with the Apple Beats 1 Radio or are they passive when listening? How? Give examples. 
Their audience is encouraged to be active as they can engage with the station via social media platforms although their following is relatively small compared to other accounts, suggesting the audiences can be quite passive. They can also buy the music being played and request songs.4) Is Apple Beats 1 aimed at a mass or niche audience? How does this differ to BBC Radio 1?
It's a niche station as it has specialised DJs and plays mainly hip hop music. Contrastingly, BBC Radio 1 is aimed at a mainstream audience as it plays pop music for a wide audience.5) Do you think Apple Beats 1 radio will be popular with young audiences or are streaming services the future of audio-based media?
Although I think it will be successful in terms of competing with other radio stations, overall I think younger audiences are more likely to use apps such as spotify or apple music as it is more personalised and convenient (music can be played wherever through phones).

Radio: Launch of Radio 1 CSP

Historical, social and cultural context

1) What radio stations were offered by the BBC before 1967?

BBC Radio Home (1939-1967) broadcasting education programmes and news. Mainly speech-based. Replaced by Radio 4.

BBC Radio Light (1945-1967) broadcasting mainly light entertainment (comedy / drama) and music. Replaced by Radio 2.

BBC Third (1946-1970) broadcasting intellectual arts-based talk and music. Replaced by Radio 3.

2) How was BBC reorganised in September 1967?

The Light radio was split into Radio 1 for popular music and Radio 2 for 'easy listening'.

The third radio became radio 3 for classical music.

The home radio became Radio 4 for news and non musical content.

3) What was pirate radio and why was it popular?

Pirate radio stations were less formal versions of radio, designed towards young people and it played mainly pop music. They were beyond the control of regulators-the law was too difficult to apply offshore.

4) Why did pirate radio stop broadcasting in 1967?

The Marine Broadcasting Offences Act outlawed pirate radio stations.

5) How did the BBC attract young audiences to Radio 1 after pirate radio stations were closed down?

They hired pirate station broadcasters so they brought many of their loyal listeners with them (established audience).

6) What was 'needle time' and why was it a problem for BBC Radio?

It restricted the amount of recorded music that could be played during a 24 hour period to 5 hours of music.

7) How did BBC Radio 1 offer different content to previous BBC radio stations?

BBC Radio 1 offered pop content, aimed entirely at young people which differed from older stations that played more family orientated content.

8) Who was the first presenter for BBC Radio 1 and why did these new Radio 1 DJs cause upset initially at the traditional BBC?

Tony Blackburn. The new radio DJ's weren't used to the formal style of BBC radio 1 and it created friction between the old and new DJ's. 

9) Listen to excerpts from the Tony Blackburn's first 1967 broadcast - how might it have appealed to young listeners?

10) What conventions did Tony Blackburn's radio show borrow from pirate radio - which made it very different to previous BBC radio content?

Tony Blackburn had a much more relaxed, informal style of presenting.

Audience and industry

1) What was the target audience for BBC Radio 1 in 1967?

Young people.

2) Why did Radio 1 initially struggle to attract young listeners?

The BBC was known for having conservative, traditional views which repelled young people. It also struggled financially as the licence fee did not increase. Couldn't effectively copy pirate stations.

3) What audience pleasures did Radio 1 offer listeners in 1967? (Use Blumler and Katz Uses and Gratifications theory).

Diversion-As there were fewer forms of entertainment in the 60's, Radio 1 offered younger listeners with recreational choices.

Information-pop culture, new songs etc...

Personal Relationships-Bonds with DJ's (hired from older pirate stations)4) How is the BBC funded?

The BBC is funded via a TV license (£4 in the 1960's and £154.50 now).

5) Applying Stuart Hall's Reception theory, what would the preferred and oppositional reading have been of BBC Radio 1 in 1967? 

Preferred-Radio 1 offered young people a long awaited station, designed purely for their interests and entertainment needs.

Oppositional- It failed to live up to the standards of other pirate radios and as it only played music for 5 hours, it failed to satisfy young audiences.  

I, Daniel Blake: Blog Task

1) What is independent cinema and how is it different to Hollywood blockbusters?
Independent films are not made by big film studios. Directors and producers have more creative input, they have smaller budgets and are distributed by smaller companies.
2) What is I, Daniel Blake about?
It is about Daniel Blake,59, who is unable to work after suffering health problems. As a result, he needs help from the state. He befriends a single mother with two kids. He stands up against the injustices of the system. The movie has a very strong political message about the British government.
3) Who directed I, Daniel Blake and why is this important?
Ken Loach directed I, Daniel Blake. He has directed social realism films for over 50 years. He makes movies about ordinary, working class people and the struggles they face, usually with political themes. His movies intend to inform the public rather than entertain or make money.
4) How was I, Daniel Blake promoted to an audience? List at least three different methods used by the film's marketing campaign.
'Pay what you can' screenings at community centres
Jeremy Corbyn attended the premiere
Guerilla marketing-"I, Daniel Blake" was projected onto the houses of parliament
5) What unusual or creative marketing methods were used to get audiences talking about the film?
They projected images onto buildings around London to generate buzz.
6) What was the estimated production budget for I, Daniel Blake and how much did it make at the box office?
It had a budget of £2 million and made £11 million at the box office.
7) How can independent films like I, Daniel Blake compete with Hollywood blockbusters like Doctor Strange?
Although indie films are released to a more niche audience, they evoke a lot of interest and conversation.
8) In your opinion, was I, Daniel Blake a success?
Yes, as it raised a lot of political conversation and although Loach's goal was not to make money, it still made 5x the initial budget.

Doctor Strange Blog Task

1) List the companies involved in the creation of Doctor Strange.
Walt Disney

Marvel Studios

2) What is conglomerate ownership and how does it link to Doctor Strange?
A conglomerate ownership is when one big conglomerate owns smaller companies. This links to Doctor Strange as Walt Disney owns Marvel studios.
3) Who regulates the film industry in the UK?
British Board of Film Classification (BBFC)
4) What age rating was Doctor Strange given? Why?
12A-Moderate fantasy violence and injury detail but not too graphic.
5) How was Doctor Strange promoted to an audience? List at least three different methods used by the film's marketing campaign.
Promotional Partners-Google,Microsoft,Skype etc...

Mobile and Video game characters

TV campaigns with "TV only" clips
6) Analyse the film trailer for Doctor Strange. What aspects of the trailer tell you this is a big-budget blockbuster movie?
Range of different locations

Star power

Lots of Special Effects
7) What was the production budget for Doctor Strange and how much did it make at the box office?
It had a production budget of $165 million and made $700 million at the box office.
8) Would you consider Doctor Strange a successful Hollywood blockbuster? Why?

Yes-it made over 4x it's initial budget and overtook Iron Man as the most successful single character Marvel movie.