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In what ways does this product use media language to encode the ideology of the producer?

In what ways does this product use media language to encode the ideology of the producer?


Websites can be deconstructed like any other media product

They are encoded with meaning through their use of signs and signifiers (Barthes)

Media language refers to the technical codes (colour, iconography, mise-en-scene...) and language codes (mode of address and language style) 

The basic principles of print media (magazine and newspapers) apply in that the fundamental audience appeal is constructed from layout and design with the key fact that websites have their own conventions. 

Semiotics is the study of signs and symbols. every aspect of media product is a sign. whether it's a shot type, camera angle, graphic, font, sound effect or any other part of media language. Semiotics is pointing out what different parts of a media product means. 

Hermeneutic:
Hermeneutic Code is something that is unexplained and which creates an unanswered question, often appearing at the beginning of the story, thus creating a tension that engages the audience. Hermeneutic codes are at the root of all mysteries.

Proairetic:
Proairetic Code is a plot action that does not directly raise particular questions -- it is simply an action that is caused by a previous event and which leads to other events. It is not inherently mysterious.

Symbolic: 
Symbolic codes show what is beneath the surface of what we see. For example, a character's actions show you how the character is feeling.

Referential:
Referential codes are used when a text makes reference to a different text. 

Hermeneutic: 












The title of this article makes people want to click on the story and find out what the exclusive spring-summer collection is. 

Proairetic:












This article doesn't really make the audience ask further questions but it could make people want to go and watch Buffy the vampire slayer. This gives a whole different generation the opportunity to enjoy Buffy

Symbolic:
This image shows that the colour scheme for attitudes' website contains bright colours. These colours have been used to represent the gay pride flag. 

Referential:
The reference to Love is blind in this article title shows reference to different texts. 

Conventions of tabloid newspapers-

The tabloid is the closest form of traditional media that compares with the look and design of attitude. 

Simple design and layout
High ratio of photographs to text
Restricted language code
Inclusive familiar mode of address
Evidence of synergy convergence
Designed for scan reading and individual relevance. 

How is attitude similar to The Sun?

Use of primary colours (red), use of WOB, vertical columns, high ratio, of photography to text. 

Simple clear and easy to read

Users can seek information and entertainment instantly recognising the house style and the inclusive emotive direct mode of address

It is intended for a mainstream lower-middle-class target audience. 

Examples of binary opposition-
  • Bigotry vs tolerance 
  • Belonging vs alienation 
  • Developed vs undeveloped worlds
  • Public vs personal
  • Mainstream vs minority 
  • Majority vs minority
In what ways does this product use media language to encode the ideology of the producer?

Intro- Briefly talk about the different types of media language that have been used in Attitude.

Paragraph 1- Talk about Barthes theory of semiotics and how they have been used in Attitude and how they affect the website overall

Paragraph 2-  Attitude is similar to the sun because it is simple and easy to read, high ratio of photography to text, readers can seek information and entertainment instantly and it is intended for a lower-middle-class audience. 

Paragraph 3- Discuss binary oppositions (with Levi Strauss's theory) surrounding the magazine and how they affect the overall style of Attitude. 

Conclusion-  
Restate the thesis by making the same point with other words (paraphrase).
Review your supporting ideas.
For that, summarise all arguments by paraphrasing how you proved the thesis.
Connect back to the essay hook and relate your closing statement to the opening one.


Attitude magazine uses several techniques such as Barthe's theory of semiotics and Levi Strauss's theory of binary opposites to construct their website and attract more readers. Factors such as colour, iconography, mise-en-scene and writing style are all ways in which Attitude have developed unique characteristics that are familiar to their viewers.  

Attitude have used Barthes theory of semiotics to encode a deeper meaning into their website. from their colour scheme to the images they choose to display with their articles, Attitude have used semiotics throughout their website. An example of this is the colouration used on the website. the use of the rainbow colours on the website is the sign that is discussed in Barthe's theory. The signifier of this is that the colours have been used to represent the gay pride flag which is a depiction of a rainbow. This signifies that Attitude has very clearly been made and is about members of the LGBT community. The use of these three steps makes it easier for viewers to understand what the magazine is about and therefore attracts a selected audience and stops people from wasting time on things they may not have any interest in. 

Attitude has a similar style to that of The Sun newspaper for several reasons. One example of this is that both Attitude and The Sun allow readers to instantly find information and entertainment that is tailored to them as an individual. This means that rather than reading every article presented to them, readers are able to select what they would like to view. This makes the overall experience when using both the website and reading The Sun quicker and easier for the viewer. Another example of how Attitude is similar to The Sun is that they are both intended for a lower-middle-class audience. This can be assumed by the content of each media product. As well as this, it is clear that the target audience is lower-middle-class because of the ratio between text and photographs in both the newspaper and on the website. 

Attitude has also used binary opposites in order to make their website more inclusive to the needs and interests of their audience. One example of this is the wide range of stories that have been covered on the website. some of the articles include titles such as "Gloria Gaynor belts out 'I will survive' as she washes hands in midst of coronavirus pandemic", "Woman arrested after allegedly throwing flaming hand sanitiser at her girlfriend" and "Drag race season 12 queens choose their strongest and weakest competition in new teaser- watch". With articles covering the latest worldwide news, stories of violence and promotions for upcoming new shows all on the same page, Attitude show that they are using binary opposites because of the stark contrast between each article. However, having such a wide range of topics discussed on their page, Attitude is more likely to receive more readers, increasing their popularity and therefore their income from sales of the magazine and views on their website. 

Overall, I think that Attitude has used the theories of both Roland Barthes and Levi Strauss to their advantage by appealing to more readers through their vast collection of articles on broad topics. As well as this, they have created a unique and distinctive style that displays connotations of the LGBT community so that readers know what the magazine and website is about without having to read any of the articles.    





































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