Recognizing Purpose and Audience in Media

Texts

What is Media?

OTHER MEDIA:• Newspapers• Books and magazines• Recorded music• Movies• Radio• Television• The internet

Purpose of Media Text

• Who created it?• Who benefits from it? E.g., If the media text is trying to

sell you something, then the company will benefit. If the media text is meant to inform the public (for example, an ad to encourage people to stop smoking), then the public benefits from the text.

• Why was it created? It can be to inform, entertain, or persuade. For example, an ad for a movie is trying to persuade you to do something: watch that movie!

What is the purpose of this media text?

What is the purpose of this media text?

What is the purpose of this media text?

What is the purpose of this media text?

What is the purpose of this media text?

What is the purpose of this media text?

What is the purpose of this media text?

What is the purpose of this media text?

What is the purpose of this media text?

Audience of Media Texts

• What audience is the media text intended for?• How do you know?• What specific features of the media text

(music, colors, text, mood and so on) appeal to such an audience? For example, a media text produced to appeal to teens might include young actors and use modern music.

Who is the intended audience of this media text?

Who is the intended audience of this media text?

Who is the intended audience of this media text?

Who is the intended audience of this media text?

Who is the intended audience of this media text?

Who is the intended audience of this media text?

Your Assignment

• Choose a media text.• Write a few paragraphs about the purpose

and audience of the media text. • Finally, answer this question:Explain how recognizing purpose and audience

helps the reader to determine the intended meaning of a media text.