1. The Uses and Gratification Theory
(Bulmer and Katz, 1974.)
This theory focuses on why people chose a
particular type of media. I’m going to do this by the
analysing the contents page of ‘NME’ magazine. I’ll
do this by analysing the four main areas;
1. Diversion
2. Personal Relationships
3. Personal Identity
4. Surveillance
Louise Glenn.

2. This is a use of surveillance as it is This is a good use of
informing that they band have 10 new diversion as it directly asks
songs. It also states their opinion on it, the reader a question, that
giving the reader all the information they are probably feeling. By
Surveillance is being used they need. empathising with the reader
in a different way here, it makes them more willing
instead of telling the reader to read on. Also it gives the
about celebrities the magazine a personal touch
magazine is telling them as the reader has been given
what’s going on in the music what they wanted.
world – ‘the tunes are
getting better’.
Also relates to personal
identity, if the reader agrees with
“Straight back “We want to get the statement they will therefore
out there” straight back out be able to relate to it, and it will
could be there” could be a feel personal to them.
diversion as reference to
although they personal Surveillance is being used here.
are aiming to identity, if the People are buying the magazine to
do something reader could find out what’s going on around
they are relate to wanting them. And celebrity gossip is one
escaping from to get back to of the main ways of this.
doing something then
nothing. If they could create
someone has a likeness
goals/achieve between Personal relationship. By ‘most Personal relationships is when
ments to themselves and marmite-y of bands’ they mean the reader feels part of a group. By
make then the person it is you either love or hate them. The reading about a band, they could
they could about, reflecting reader could think this about mentally feel the companionship
relate. them. themselves. Therefore feeling a that the band have; and it is
friendship with the band based on reflected onto them.
similarities.