Media Contexts

Historical Context

The historical context of a media product includes the period in which it was created and the significant events of that time. For example, film noir originated in the USA in the post-WW2 era, expressing societal anxieties and disillusionment.
Understanding the historical context of media can demonstrate how events shape and influence their creation and reception.

Media constantly interacts with changing social and cultural contexts. The incorporation of diverse characters and narratives can be seen as a reaction to evolving societal attitudes.
Experience of media, including newspapers, TV shows, films, and social media, can shape our perception of the world.
Recognition of cultural shifts over time helps us understand how and why certain products have been created and received in certain ways.
Media is used to both reflect and shape the cultural landscape. This interaction is a key element of their role in society.

The political climate during the production and release of media can significantly influence the content. Real-world politics are often echoed in media products.
Economic factors also play a significant role in shaping media industries and their outputs. Situations like recessions or booms affect production budgets, business models, and advertising strategies.
Regulatory bodies like Ofcom and the BBFC in the UK also influence media production and distribution through their regulations and classifications.

The advancement of technology has drastically transformed the media landscape. Changing technologies have sparked new ways to create, distribute, and consume media.
Innovations like streaming services, VR, and digital photography have expanded the media industries and reshaped the audience engagement.
Technologies have also influenced the narrative and styles of media representations. For instance, CGI technology has revolutionised animated film-making.

The consumption and interpretation of media are deeply influenced by audience context, including geographical location, cultural background, age, gender, and personal beliefs.
Technological development has transformed the way audiences consume media, opening up new channels for distribution and allowing for more personalised experiences.
Understanding the target audience context helps producers create and market their products more effectively, potentially maximising commercial success.

The media industry’s structure, in terms of the balance between conglomerates and independents, influences the variety and type of product being made.
Industry context also includes the economic model of media industries (public service vs commercial), influencing their objectives and output.
The rise of transmedia narratives and synergistic relationships across different media platforms is a defining feature of the contemporary media industry.