Media Contexts

Historical Context

Understanding the development of media forms over time is crucial.
Factors that have led to changes in these forms, such as technology, politics, and society, should be considered.
Examine the transition from print to digital media, considering aspects like accessibility, global reach and immediacy of news.

Analyse the interaction between media and society, and how each influences the other.
Look at the values, attitudes and beliefs expressed in media texts and how they reflect or challenge societal norms.
Study the interpretations and uses of media texts by different social and cultural groups, with emphasis on variations due to factors like age, gender, ethnicity, and social class.

Political and Economic Context

Scrutinise the political landscape during the production of the media texts.
Consider the economic conditions that could influence the mode of production, distribution, and consumption.
Explore the role of government policies and regulations in shaping the media industry and its output.

Global Context

Evaluate the flow of media texts across national and cultural boundaries and the factors influencing this flow.
Grasp the effects of globalisation on the production, distribution and reception of media texts.
Analyse the cultural exchange and influence through global platforms and understand media’s role in promoting cultural diversity and global understanding.

Media Industries Context

Delve into the structure of media industries and their influence on media output.
Investigate the political economy of the media, including the distribution of power, media ownership patterns, and their implications on the diversity and uniformity of media texts.
Explore how market forces and commercial pressures impact media language and representations.

Media Regulation Context

Understand the role of media regulatory bodies and their influences on media content.
Learn about censorship, including its reasons, effects, and public reactions.
Be aware of legal and ethical issues related to media production and distribution, including surveillance, data protection and intellectual property rights.

Consolidating your understanding of these contexts will significantly enhance your ability to analyse the use of media language and representations in various media forms and products. The goal is to showcase comprehensive critical thinking based on a clear understanding of the wider media environment in which these texts exist and function.