Blumler and Katz developed uses and gratifications theory, which suggests that media users actively select media to fulfill certain needs. The four main needs are: diversion from everyday life, forming personal relationships, exploring personal identity, and staying informed about their environment. For example, reading Kerrang magazine fulfills the need for diversion by allowing readers to escape daily life and learn about rock stars, fulfills the need for surveillance by giving insights into celebrities' lives, and fulfills the need for personal relationships by keeping readers informed about new bands and releases to discuss with friends.

1. Uses and Gratification
Blumler and Katz came up with the theory of uses and gratifications. Their theory suggests
that media users play a crucial role in using and choosing the media. The theorists say “A
media user seeks out a media source that best fulfils the needs of the user.”
The four basic needs of the user:
- Diversion
- Personal Relationships
- Personal Identity
- Surveillance
Meanings
Diversion
The need people have to escape from everyday life, and to go and relax.
Personal Relationships
People use the media to help fulfil their need for companionship, and to from a relationship
with others. (The feeling of being part of a social group.)
Personal Identity
People tend to use media to find out about yourself. Sometimes people are presented in some
way that reflects ourselves and we see that in them.
Surveillance
Using the media to find out what is going on around us, for example reading a magazine,
which tells us about what’s been happening in the lives of celebrities.
Personal identity
In magazines such as Kerrang,
they give opportunities for the
readers to get involved and
show the celebrities in a way
that we would be able to relate
to them.
Surveillance
Kerrang allows the audience to
see into the lives of celebrities,
in this edition of Kerrang we
get an insight into the lives of
D.R.U.G.S..
Diversion
Kerrang is a great way escape
from everyday life and sit back
to read about the life of many of
our favourite rockstars and what
they get up to on tour and
recording sessions.
Personal Relationships
By reading Kerrang you can
find out all the latest info on
rock bands and keep up to date
with all the latest up and
coming bands and the newest
and best album releases. And
keep informed with your
friends.