Planning for NEA

Generic research: language and digital convergence

Generic research: language and digital convergence  

How do media producers use language to communicate meaning? 

• Colour palette  

The colour palette for all three podcasts/radio shows creates a sense of brand identity as the colour theme of the websites correlates to that of the actual podcasts – which familiarises the audience. 

• Logo 

 

The logo, which is visible throughout the entirety of the website, establishes again, a strong sense of brand identity for the audience. 

• Use of images and videos 

The use of videos and images promote a sense of community for the audience as well as providing them with entertainment with clips such as ‘behind the scenes footage’ etc. BBC Radio 4 especially, follows their remit by educating and entertaining the public with clips that are related to the podcast such as ‘extras’ or ‘visual delights’. 

•  Use of musical aids and effects

The use of musical aids engages the listener and makes the podcast more exciting for the listeners and can create a sense of intertextuality e.g sound effects.

•  Use of language

The language used is primarily to get the listeners and audience involved, terms such as 'let us know what you think'. 'Debate-style' discussions with opportunities for the audience to phone - in as audiences today have much higher cultural expectations of interactivity and participation, due largely to the development of the internet. This adheres to Clay Shirky's end of audience theorys and that audiences are no longer passive and are wanting to become increasingly active due to the evolvement of technology. 

How do media producers use digital convergence to link their products?

• Use of social media 

 

The use of social media encourages participation and allows the audience to view the brand on different platforms – this supports Clay Shirky’s end of audience theory as the audience are able to like, share and comment what they want to see next.  

• Embedded clips and episodes of the podcast

The websites also have clips and episode of the podcast embedded on the homepage to make it easily accessible for the audience. Outspoken Beauty also include clips from events such as beauty awards that will capture the interest of their audience.

• Additional links 

Additional links can be found, for example all the products talked about in the Unspoken Beauty podcasts are linked so the audience are able to access them easily. BBC have links to other podcasts that are similar and that their audience may enjoy.