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Remember, theories will only ever be assessed in Newspapers (Paper 1 Section A) or Long Form TV Drama (Paper 2 Section B)
Theory Summary document
Theory Summary document
Theory application
Theory application
In Question 1 of Paper 1 and Question 3 of Paper 2, you will be asked to apply media theories to your analysis. In some questions (such as Question 1), it might state a specific theory to focus on. Use the following structure to apply theory in your answer. In Question 3 of Paper 2, it might be more implicit and you will have a choice of theories to apply.
PARA 1 - Outline the theory stated in the question - briefly in two sentences. Then explain the event being represented - link to context IF APPROPRIATE.
PARA 2 - Apply to Source A through semiotic analysis and referring to relevant contexts. Point > Evidence > Analysis with Theory
PARA 3 - Apply to Source B through semiotic analysis and referring to contexts. Point > Evidence > Analysis with Theory.
Examplar response:
Examplar response:
Analyse the different representations of gender in the sources. Use Van Zoonen's theory in your answer. [10]
Van Zoonen’s theory of patriarchy suggests that stereotypical representations of gender, where women are objectified and males are seen as ‘spectacle’ reinforces western patriarchal attitudes. These stereotypical gender representations can lead to women feeling oppressed. In both sources, the representation of the then-prime minister, Liz Truss is constructed differently by the Daily Mirror and Daily Mail.
The Daily Mirror (Source A) the UK's sole left-wing red-top newspaper, initially constructs a determined representation of Liz Truss through the use of a close-up image of her making a speech. However, the caption 'government imploding' emphasises a much more negative portrayal, possibly implying that her leadership is causing the country to fall apart. Furthermore, the use of the sub-headlines 'Tories plot to oust' implies that even her own party has turned against her and does not trust her, suggesting that she is unfit to be prime minister. This negative representation might be attributed to Van Zoonen's theory, since Truss is constructed as inept, reinforcing patriarchal ideas, despite the fact that Liz Truss is just the third female prime minister in the United Kingdom. Furthermore, the secondary lead on Fleur East from Strictly objectifies her through the suggestive dress codes, furthering the concept that female representation encourages western patriarchal beliefs.
The Daily Mail's (Source B) portrayal of Liz Truss is similarly negative, which may be influenced by their populist agenda. The headline carries a dual meaning, suggesting that Truss is both exhausted from her time in Parliament but has also caused significant turmoil among her supporters. The use of a close-up image of Truss with a downcast and fatigued paralanguage on her face could imply that she is emotionally drained and depleted. This depiction, in the context of Van Zoonen's theory, possibly implies that women are not as capable as male prime ministers, reflecting western patriarchal values. Moreover, it suggests that women are more emotional, which, according to Van Zoonen's theory, could lead to oppression among women. Interestingly, the sky banner features an advertisement targeting women and menopause, offering advice on healthy eating - this may also reinforce gender stereotypes.
Examiner Commentary:
This is an exemplary response, receiving mark in Band 3, as it provides a clear explanation of Van Zoonen's theory and uses it as a framework to thoroughly analyse the two sources. The writer makes extensive references to the sources and utilises appropriate newspaper terminology to deduce various representations from the covers. Additionally, the representations drawn from the sources are complex and provide a comprehensive understanding of how and why each newspaper has crafted its respective representations.
Theory Evaluation
Theory Evaluation
In Question 4 on both Paper 1 and Paper 2, you will need to specifically evaluate media theories. In newspapers, this will always be an industry or audience theory and for television, it could be any of the 18 theories. Use the following framework to analyse media theory:
Outline and apply the theory: Begin by simply outlining the theory in a sentence or two (make sure you use top band vocabulary!). How useful / effective is the theory in understanding television or newspapers? Mention specific examples from either newspaper case studies or television dramas.
Can the theory be specifically applied to this media form? Explain the original media form studied by the theorist in their theory (e.g. Gerbner studied television) and then judge how far this theory can be applied to the media form you are analysing (i.e. Gerbner’s theory is less applicable to news where there isn’t a constant exposure to media representations).
Limitations / Contradictory concepts: Explain at least two limitations of the theory. You could do this by giving examples of any concepts that contradict the theory directly (e.g. Press Freedom for Curran and Seaton) or by giving examples from the set texts that do not fit within the theory (e.g. Lucas’ positive representation if evaluating Gilroy).
State a more useful / effective theory: Finish off by stating a more useful theory or approach to judging the concept tested. If you’re evaluating passive audience theory, you can contrast with active audience theory or for industry theories, any active audience theory will also work. You should explain why the theory is more useful / effective.
Examplar response (newspapers):
Examplar response (newspapers):
Evaluate the effectiveness of Curran and Seaton's theory on power and media industries in understanding how newspapers are produced. [10]
Curran and Seaton’s theory concerns the patterns of ownership of how media organisations operate. The news industry is amongst the most concentrated with press barons operating in the pursuit of status and wielding political power, such as Lord Rothermere’s ownership of DMGT. This concentrated ownership therefore suggests that newspapers may be produced in such a way that there is a narrowing of opinions and diverse voices in order to generate profit and power.
Daily Mail, which has a proprietor ownership means that the editorial stance will be influenced by the owner, Jonathan Hemsworth. The news stories produced by the Mail Online website may be considered ethically-dubious due to their clickbait and sensationalist nature, often mediating stories inaccurately. For example, the long-term coverage of the ‘migrant crisis’ might be produced to interest the right-wing traditionalist audience of the Daily Mail, often refuting elements of the story that might oppose their ideological stance. This website is amongst the most successful online news outlets as it draws audiences exactly in this way, therefore suggesting that smaller, more independent news organisations, such as ‘Real News’ might not be able to compete with the sheer power of the DMGT oligarchy. Furthermore, other news organisations are continually conglomorising to ensure they can gain a larger share of the market, with a topical example being Trinity Mirror conglomorising to Reach PLC and buying out Daily Express and Daily Star to minimise the costs of production through sharing of journalists in house.
However, a key drawback of Curran and Seaton power and media industries theory is that it only considers the power of the oligarchy but does not take into account the fact that ‘quality’ news organisations, such as The Guardian follow particular mantras which means they often offer a more diverse range of opinions. For example, The Guardian has a mantra of ‘fearless independent journalism’ and their trust ownership means that editors come from a range of political standings, therefore ensuring a more diverse range of representations in newspapers. Audiences are also extremely intelligent in deciphering news stories and new media has enabled for some audiences to get their opinions heard through, for example, the below the line comments section or social media, leading to audiences becoming ‘prosumers’ (Jenkins). The Guardian also offers a ‘Comment is Free’ section allowing for a range of independent journalists, not affiliated with Scott Trust to express their opinions on a diverse range of topics and events.
Examiner Commentary:
This is a good theory evaluation, receiving a mark in Band 3; it features extensive reference to the two set texts (The Guardian and Daily Mail) as well as clear and insightful evaluative points in relation to understanding how newspapers are produced.
Examplar response (TV Drama):
Examplar response (TV Drama):
Evaluate the usefulness of Gilroy’s theories around post colonialism and ethnicity in understanding long form television dramas. [10]
Gilroy’s theories around postcolonialism and ethnicity revolve around the idea of colonialism and that this historic movement has a powerful impact on contemporary representations since the Black Atlantic did not have the time to mourn the collapse of their empire. Gilroy discusses that contemporary media texts, such as long form television dramas construct negative representations of ethnic minorities, often marginalising or misrepresenting them. He adds that some texts include an ‘us versus them’ narrative which can lead to postcolonial melancholia.
Stranger Things is a hyperreal sci-fi / supernatural hybrid drama which ‘mixes’ the cultural verisimilitude of 1980s popular culture with more contemporary representations. For example, Dr Brenner is presented as the main antagonist of the series which has everyone doing the dirty work for him. He is a typical representation of the largely white supremacy culture that existed within the 1980s small town America. The drama does however include positive representations of ethnic minorities, which is perhaps reflecting the cultural shift in how ethnic minorities were perceived at this time. Lucas, a character which is given significant screen time in the first episode is presented as one of the boys. He is frequently portrayed as pragmatic, often making decisions to protect the rest of the vulnerable group of friends. This representation may oppose Gilroy’s views where ethnic minorities are seen as the ‘other’. In addition, Stranger Things was praised for its contemporary twist on the 1980s representation which perhaps suggests that Gilroy’s views may not be fully applicable.
The Killing is a nordic-noir produced by DR1, a public service broadcaster. The episode features a predominantly white cast which is perhaps reflective of the cultural mix of Denmark. The country is however renowned for its attitudes to equality and multiculturalism - for example, in the first episode, Vagn makes a racist remark towards the Pakistani shop owner. This is viewed as completely unacceptable by Theis, his boss. This may suggest that these attitudes are part of Vagn’s wider characterisation and can be viewed as a character flaw.
Whilst Gilroy’s views are somewhat applicable to The Killing, the theory is overly general and does not adequately explain other inequalities in representation such as of gender or class - perhaps Hall’s representation theory may be more applicable in understanding in greater detail the reasons for these inequalities in representation.
Examiner Commentary:
This is a top marks response, receiving a mark in Band 3 for a clear a insightful application and evaluation of Gilroy's theory. There is comprehensive application of the theory to the two set texts, and whilst this does not explicity offer marks on its own, the candidate then uses these points to explain the usefulness of the theory. The conclusive paragraph explains a broader evaluative point in relation to the form as a whole.
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