Convergence

A good little publicity stunt for a new channel in Belgium.

Arguably, this is a type of media convergence: one medium (TV) blurring into another (reality) with inspiration from flash mobs (social networking); it's then advertised and spreads virally (on the internet).

Exemplar answers to AS Exams

A grade model answer



B grade model answer

Section B: Exam Spec

Section B: Institutions and audiences


Candidates should be prepared to understand and discuss the processes of production, distribution, marketing and exchange as they relate to contemporary media institutions, as well as, the nature of audience consumption and the relationship between audiences and institutions. In addition candidates should be familiar with:

 the issues raised by media ownership in contemporary media practice;

 the importance of cross media convergence and synergy, in production, distribution and marketing;

 the technologies that have been introduced in recent years at the levels of production, marketing and exchange;

 the significance of proliferation in hardware and content for institutions and audiences;

 the importance of technological convergence for institutions and audiences;

 the issues raised in the targeting of national and local audiences
(specifically, British) by international and global institutions;

 the ways in which the candidates’ own experiences of media consumption illustrate wider patterns and trends of audience behaviour.
This unit should be approached through contemporary examples in the form of case studies based upon one of the specified media areas.

Section B: Past questions

Section B will test you on your knowledge of the film industry.

YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO USE YOUR RECENT RESEARCH TO ANSWER ANY QUESTION.

Here is a list of past questions.


Discuss the impact of technology on a media industry you have studied.

Discuss the issues surrounding the need for Media Institutions to target specific audiences in a media industry you have studied.

Discuss the impact of cross-media convergence on a media industry you have studied.

“Technology has benefited media producers more than it has benefited media audiences.” Discuss this quote with reference to a media industry you have studied.

Explain how technology has helped media institutions target specific audiences within a media industry you have studied.

Discuss the ways in which media products are produced and distributed to audiences within a media industry you have studied.

“Audiences only want media products which have been produced by big companies. There are no opportunities for small institutions to thrive.” Discuss this view with regards to the media institution you have studied.



What will not change:
- In each question, you are asked about "the media industry you have studied."
This is, obviously, the film industry.
- The examples you will use should come directly from your research project.

What will change:
The question could be about:
production, distribution, convergence, synergy, new technology, social media, marketing, targeting audiences, changing audience behaviour, and any of the other topics you've studied this term. Here's what the exam board says they will test you on.

THAT'S WHY YOU'RE DOING THE RESEARCH!

How confident would you feel answering them?
Give each question a 'Confidence Score' out of 10. Be honest.


Now take a look at these exemplar answers. Can you guess the questions?



Then read through this:

This is an excellent revision document for the key issues in Section B.

Now revise your 'Confidence Score' for each question.