This document discusses different types of representation in media. It identifies four variations of representation: 1) a selective re-presentation of reality that creates an illusion of reality, 2) a typical or stereotypical representation of groups, 3) representing a particular position, and 4) the meanings that messages represent for audiences. It also discusses theories related to representation, such as the hypodermic needle theory and binary opposites. Finally, it provides examples of questions to ask when analyzing representations in media, such as who produced it, who/what is represented, and how the representation was selected.

1. By Gemma Lovitt
REPRESENTATIONS

2. The different types of representations
(1)
 Representation can be defined in a variety of ways
and can be a complex issue to discuss, however it
can have a number of different senses. Dyer
suggested 4 possible variations.
 A selective Re-presentation of reality:
 A selective form of representation is most obvious in
forms of media such as newspapers where the form
is completely different from the given reported
events, but less so in television serials, which often
succeed in creating the illusion of a transport
window on the world with a similar time frame and
rhythm to our own.

3. The different types of representations (2)
 A typical or representation of reality
 Within the media many stereotypes are typically made
when categorising certain types of groups and
individuals including stereotypes being made within
certain genders, race, age etc.
 Similarly it includes the process of speaking on behalf
of or as a representative of a particular position.
 When making a typical representation or stereotype
the audience may have to think of many questions
including:
 Whose views are being put forward in particular
messages?
 Whose voices are being heard.

4.  The meanings which media messages represent
for audiences.
What do readers bring to messages which affects how
they interpret them?
What actual sense is made when particular messages
are understand?
The different types of representations
(3)

5. Associated theories with the theory of
representation
 Hypodermic Needle Theory
 Binary Opposites
So how does the idea of “re-presenting” something have to
do with media products?
“Identity is complicated. Everybody thinks they’ve got one. Artists play
with the idea of identity in modern society” – David Gaundlett.

6.  Who produced it?
 What/who is represented in the text?
 How is that thing represented?
 Why was this particular representation (this shot,
framed from this angle, this story phrased in these
terms, etc) selected, and what might the alternatives
have been?
 What frame of reference does the audience use
when understanding the representation?
Examples of Questions to ask when
analysing representations