Explain how and why the content has been selected and constructed and what codes and conventions and mode of address have been used to appeal to each target audience
Codes are a system of signs to help create a meaning. Codes can be divided into two different groups: technical codes and symbolic codes.
Technical codes are to do with the way a body of text is structured, and how the story is told, so for example in a film it would refer to the way the camera work is used to support the narrative.
Symbolic codes are to do with the level of detail beneath the surface. So for example, in a film, a particular character's actions may portray to us how they are feeling.
Conventions are the general manner that something is usually displayed or completed in. For example a convention usually seen in comedy films is the inclusion of an incredibly intelligent but socially awkward character, or a character who is an idiot and is accident prone.
Codes and conventions are often found in conjunction with each other in media products. If you are discussing a technical code such as the lighting in a film, you would also need to discuss the conventions that come with that technical work. For example in horror films, it is a common convention to use very low-key lighting and dark shots to highlight tension and create mystery.
Tabloids
Tabloids are often recognisable because of bright colours on the front cover and the use of large font to grab the reader's eye. Tabloids are much smaller than broadsheets, making them easy to transport for example on the train or on a bus. Tabloid journalism usually refers to the type of news reporting about sensational crime stories, celebrity gossip and soap opera drama. This type of journalism (sadly) appeals to the masses.Below is a list of the common conventions found on the front cover of a tabloid newspaper such as The Sun.
Broadsheet and compact newspapers
Broadsheets are much larger than tabloids, and often feature long vertical pages to cover a lot of detail in each story. These newspapers cover general news stories such as current affairs, political discussions and international news.Below is a list of common broadsheet conventions on a newspaper front cover such as The Times.
Semiotics
Semiotics: the study of signs, symbols and signification and their use/interpretationSignifier: any material object or thing that signifies or represents, e.g. a facial expression of a character in a film
Signified: the concept or emotion that the signifier is refering to
Sign: a combination of the signifier and signified, the sign is the smallest unit of meaning, so anything that is used to communicate with others
Symbolic signs: signs where the relation between the signifier and the signified is arbitrary and purely conventional
Iconic signs: signs where the signifier resembles the signified, e.g. a picture
Indexical: signs where the signifier is caused by the signified, e.g. smoke signifies a fire burning/burnt out
Connotation: an idea or feeling that invokes a further meaning in addition to its literal meaning
Denotation: the literal meaning or the most basic meaning of a sign/word/feeling
For Codes and Conventions you need to explain in detail how media products are constructed to appeal to the audiences they are intended for, illustrating points made with well-focused, detailed examples, and drawing out examples precisely that shows the point you are making.
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