January Assessment Learner Response

1) -Good attempt under the circumstances: satisfactory responses
    - be fully prepared and arrive for the test on time

Q1 - synergy - allows companies to maximise profit from a brand (e.g. Harry Potter) by branching
out into other platforms, merchandise or products.
Q2 - Unique funding model for BBC and Channel 4 means channels don’t need to chase
audiences/high ratings and PSB remit means subjects are covered and people are
represented that otherwise may be ignored by commercial broadcasters. (for)
Q3 - 'mean world syndrome' / Hypodermic needle theory – largely discredited but perhaps becoming relevant again in era of ‘fake news’ and echo chambers. This would also support idea media has damaging effect on audiences.

3) 2

4) i identified three different strategies and their benefits but need to make sure the benefits i give are different for each one.

5) could have added points about how channel 4 reinvests profits back into programmes which raises quality and benefits audiences. could have also explained how BBC and Channel 4 shouldn’t produce popular programmes such as Strictly Come Dancing as this is unfair on commercial broadcasters struggling to survive in the digital age. Instead PSB channels should focus on programming that isn’t profitable so therefore not produced by commercial rivals.

6)Dependency theory – this could support the idea that the media is having a damaging effect
on audiences. Rokeach and Defleur said audiences were becoming dependent on the media
in 1976 – it could be argued it is even more true today. Studies in recent years have raised
concerns over young people and social media use. If audiences become dependant on the media this could have a negative impact of their lives as they may also develop the mean world syndrome - having a negative and more fearful viewpoint of real life events. This could then lead to a moral panic, suggesting that the media has a damaging effect on audiences.

Introduction to feminism

Case study: Everyday Sexism

1) Why did Laura Bates start the Everyday Sexism project?

She had thought about some of her own experiences where she had been sexually harassed but continued as if it hadn't happened and got on with life as normal. When she asked other women if something similar had ever happened to them all of them said yes, however none of them did anything about it either as they believed it is normal behaviour, or some felt stupid to report it and it wouldnt be taken seriously.

2) How does the Everyday Sexism project link to the concept of post-feminism? Is feminism still required in western societies?

It links to the concept of post-feminism as it looks at how women are still facing harassment and a lack of respect in a number of different environments and this happens on a daily basis.

3) Why was new technology essential to the success of the Everyday Sexism project?

It was essential to the success of this project as it provided women with a place to feel explain incidents they have faced instead of keeping it to themselves and has offered people a safe place where their voices can be heard and supported. It also helped women across the world to realise that the sexual harassment they are facing isnt acceptable and should not be considered as 'normal'.


4) Will there be a point in the future when the Everyday Sexism project is not required? What is YOUR view on the future of feminism?

I think the feminist movement will continue to grow and there may come a point where it is not needed as much as it is today, however i think it could be a long time until it is not needed at all as harassment is something that can be difficult to eliminate entirely as you cant control the actions of every person all the time. I think that even if it is not required to as much of an extent in the future it is still something that is useful as it provides women with a platform to speak on and


Media Magazine: The fourth wave?

1) Summarise the questions in the first two sub-headings: What is networked feminism? Why is it a problem?

The new fourth wave of feminism is also known as ‘networked feminism’. It aims to tackle social
equality issues found both on, and using, modern technology.

2) What are the four waves of feminism? Do you agree that we are in a fourth wave ‘networked feminism’? 

• First wave feminism - the late 19th to early 20th century, main focus on suffrage.
• Second wave feminism - began in the 1960s - 1980s, focusing on the growth of equal pay rights which led to the Equal Pay Act in 1970.
• Third wave feminism - (post feminism) began in the late 90s until 2008, focusing on diversity
• Fourth wave feminism - (networked feminism) 2008 until now, aims to tackle social equality issues, sexual harassment and assault.

3) Focus on the examples in the article. Write a 100-word summary of EACH of the following: Everyday Sexism, HeForShe, FCKH8 campaign, This Girl Can.

Everday Sexism - it was created by Laura Bates so that women could post their own experiences of sexual harassment or assault as she found that almost every woman experienced this on a daily basis. It was created as women usually didnt want to talk about it because they felt ashamed, stupid or like it wouldnt be taken seriously and is considered as something normal to expect in everyday life.

HeForShe - it was set up by Emma Watson and she expresses how gender equality is just as much as issue for males as well as females. She points out that feminism isnt about promoting matriarchy, but promoting solidarity. It is about how gender equality effects people socially, economically and politically and it aims to 'actively involve men and boys in a movement that was originally conceived as "a struggle for women by women".'

FCKH8 - it focuses on the way girls are represented in the modern day and looks at the inequalities that they face, highlighting societies imbalance when it comes to offences.

This Girl Can - Seen as the first fitness campaign. Shows videos and photos of women without the sexual exploitation of women's fitness adverts and doesn't feature body shaming.

4) What is your opinion with regards to feminism and new/digital media? Do you agree with the concept of a 'fourth wave' of feminism post-2010 or are recent developments like the Everyday Sexism project merely an extension of the third wave of feminism from the 1990s?

MIGRAIN: Industries - Public service broadcasting

Ofcom report

1) How does the report suggest that TV viewing is changing?
The TV report suggests that most content is now being viewed on a number of devices instead of just TV sets as some audiences view media online and streaming services are also being used more.

2) What differences are highlighted between younger and older viewers?
One difference that is highlighted is the fact that older viewers of 65+ watch more tv (an average of  5 hours 44 minutes) than younger viewers aged 16-24 who only watched an average of  1 hour 54 minutes.

3) Does the report suggest audiences are satisfied with public service broadcasting TV channels?
The article does suggest that the audiences are satisfied with the channels as 83% of the TV population watched any of the main five PSB channels in a week, which suggests they are satisfied as they still watch them.

4) Public service broadcasting channels are a major aspect of the UK cultural industries. How much money did PSB channels spend on UK-originated content in 2016?

PSB channels spent a total of £2.6bn on UK-originated content.

Goldsmiths report

1) What does the report state has changed in the UK television market in the last 20 years?

Although PSB channels are some of the most viewed channels their market share has decreased and paid channels such as sky are being used much more and becoming more dominant.

2) Look at page 4. What are the principles that the report suggests need to be embedded in regulation of public service broadcasting in future?

Their content should be guaranteed to be shown on other platforms instead of just on TV.

3) What does the report say about the BBC?

The report says that they are under threat due to changes in the way audiences view the media and advances in technology.

4) According to the report, how should the BBC be funded in future?

The BBC should replace the licence and should be funded through a tiered platform such as through tax.

5) What does the report say about Channel 4?

Channel 4 supports the independent production sector and its content is targeted at a diverse audience.

6) How should Channel 4 operate in future?

It should aim to appeal to older children as well as young adults by showing more content.

My opinion on public service broadcasting

1) Should the BBC retain its position as the UK’s public service broadcaster?

I think they should retain their position as they have a long history of providing and creating content for no profit and they provide us with information and show events from an educational perspective.

2) Is there a role for the BBC in the 21st century digital world?

i think it does as they have kept up with consumer habits by going online and having their own website as well as apps as those are the more common ways for audiences to access information now.

3) Should the BBC funding model (license fee) change? How?

I think it should be change and consumers should pay for the channels they use so they are not paying for something that is not of use to them, for example through a monthly subscription.