This document discusses representation in media and its importance. It makes three key points: 1) Media representations are intentionally constructed versions of reality, not objective realities themselves. 2) Media representations shape our understanding of the world by extending our experiences and perceptions. 3) The relationship between media producers, texts, and audiences is a two-way process where meanings are negotiated.

1. Representation in the media
By definition, all media texts are re-presentations of reality. This
means that they are intentionally composed, lit, written, framed,
cropped, captioned, branded, targeted and censored by their
producers, and that they are entirely artificial versions of the reality
we perceive around us.
Media is a representation of someone's concept of existence,
presented in a series of signs and symbols which can be read by an
audience.
Without the media, our perception of reality would be very limited,
therefore, we as an audience need these artificial texts to mediate
our view of the world.
Therefore representation is a fluid, two-way process: producers
position a text somewhere in relation to reality and audiences assess
a text on its relationship to reality.

2. Why representation in the media is important
• The influence of media has a major impact on how we view the
world. Therefore, it is an important political issue. By viewing media
representations our prejudices can be reinforced or shattered.
• By gaining information from media texts our experience of life is
extended. The media depicts what information they give on certain
texts, therefore restricting the experience the audience can gain from
that text.
• We only see what the media want us to see. Every media product has
been built up and designed for a purpose, however we see it as being
‘natural’. It sort of becomes part of everyday life that we just take in
rather than really think about. We only see the ideas that we’re
accepted for the text and don’t really think about the ideas that
we’re rejected.

3. Gender representation in my magazine
My magazine is mainly focused at targeting males. Therefore, I
wanted the images to be more ‘normal’ and approachable for men
rather than having images that seemed un-natural and glorified. By
using the images I did, I think men will be able to relate and will feel
comfortable reading my magazine.
Also, the language I used throughout my magazine is more
laid back and casual which again makes the audience feel
more comfortable.
My images could be stereotypical. They show male’s holding
instruments and looking in control. The main image of the singer
holding the guitar straight in front gives the connotation of strength
which is stereotypical for males. Also, in the contents page, the large
image of the male looks confident and strong. In these images though
the band’s seem to be relaxed and enjoying themselves rather than
serious as most stereotypical images are.

4. Age representation in my magazine
My magazine is aimed at a younger audience, particularly 18-24 year olds. These are the
ages I have included in my images. This gives the audience a familiar feeling as they can
relate to the images. Also, the images contain the bands in situations that look like they
are having fun. They look less serious than the typical older person and this makes them
fun and makes the reader feel at ease.
I think the images will result in the audience judging the band’s to be playful
and enjoying their fame. The age in relation to fame is typical in media as
youth are normally associated with fame and achievement.
Through the text I have presented the band’s as successful
but not arrogant. This makes them relatable and likeable.
The reader feels comfortable with them and wants to
know more about them.

5. Social groups I avoided
After completing my magazine I noticed I had avoided certain social groups. Some I avoided
deliberately as they were not part of my target audience, but others were non-deliberate.
The groups I avoided non deliberately were females and people with a disability. When I say
avoided I mean they weren’t represented in my magazine. I didn’t realise I had done this
until my magazine was completed.
Females
My magazine was typically aimed at males, therefore I only included images of male’s
without realising. I think if I had of included a lot of feminine images it would deter men
from purchasing my magazine as they would see it being engineered toward females.
Disability
Images of people with disabilities are not normally used in media as it is not something we
see everyday. I non-deliberately didn’t use any images of disabled people. Typically we are
shown images that are seen to be ‘perfect’ and disabled people are not considered to be
part of this. Sadly, using an image of a disabled person may even stop audience’s from
purchasing a product.

6. Social groups I avoided
I deliberately avoided certain social groups as they didn’t fit my target audience. For
example, the older generation.
My magazine was aimed at people aged 18-24 therefore I didn’t think it necessary to
include content that would be of interest to any other age groups.
I don’t think the majority of older age groups would be interested in young rock bands,
which is what my magazine is about, therefore I didn’t see any reason to try and cater for
their needs. That is not say they don’t appreciate music, just they probably enjoy different
genres and are not particularly interested in who created it.
Target Audience Avoided

7. Sub-cultures in my magazine
My magazine focuses on the sub-culture of rock music fans. The typical rock music fan
enjoys bands that play their own instruments and are usually dressed casually, often
wearing band t-shirts and other merchandise.
The rock sub-culture is a contrast to the pop sub-culture. Rock music is more of a lifestyle
for fans as they are less mainstream and tend to follow bands whereas mainstream pop
music fans enjoy a song and can move on as soon as they hear a better one. There is a
loyalty amongst rock fans and they appreciate an artist or bands ability to create their
own music. This is why I included instruments in my images and had the subjects dress
casually which makes them more relaxed and easier to relate to.
This image shows Blink-182 playing their own instruments.
They are also casually ‘un’ dressed and this adds a fun factor
to the band. I also tried to replicate this in my magazine so
the audience could relate and have fun along with the band.
This image shows Dave Grohl, a well known rock singer, he is
dressed casually and this laid back, fun looking type of image is
what I wanted to replicate in my magazine.