Media Analysis

choose one of the following media categories to analyze:

• Print Media: Newspapers, magazines, books, etc.
• Broadcast Media: Television shows, news broadcasts, radio programs, streaming content, etc.
• New Media: Social media platforms, blogs, podcasts, web series, video gaming, etc.
• Motion Picture Media: Feature films, documentaries, etc.
• Sound Recording Media: Music albums, podcasts, etc.
• Multi-Media: You could select a media category which includes multiple elements of the above

Develop a research question as the foundation of your analysis

• Conduct a thorough analysis of the chosen medium,
  focusing on:
• Content: What messages are being conveyed? Who is the intended audience? Are there other audiences, either intentional or unintentional?
• Representation: How are different groups, issues, and narratives represented? What social/cultural elements are present? What is missing, distorted, or mischaracterized?
• Techniques: What techniques are used to engage and influence audiences (e.g., visual aesthetics, storytelling methods, narration, sound design, framing, priming, agenda
  setting)?
• Cultural Context: How does the medium reflect, challenge, question or otherwise address societal norms and values?

prepare a presentation

• Your presentation should include:
• The research question and issue you are analyzing.
• A brief overview of the selected medium.
• The results of your research and analysis.
• Key themes and messages identified in your analysis.
• Critical insights about the media’s impact on society and individual perceptions.
• Visual aids (slides, video clips, audio) to enhance your presentation.
  submit a written report (4-6 pages)
  documenting your research, analysis, and reflections. The report should include:
• An introduction to the media format and its significance.
• In-depth analysis and critique based on your findings.
• Conclusion summarizing key takeaways and potential future implications.
• Recommendations as to how your media could have been improved in its overall message, aesthetic, and/or effect using terms and themes covered in this course.
• APA formatting is expected.
• Double-spaced.
• 12pt font, Ariel or Times New Roman preferred.
• 4-6 pages, plus cover page, plus Citations page.
• References and citations for all external sources.
• Page #’s bottom center.

RESEARCH QUESTION IDEAS
Broadcast Media

• How has the representation of race/gender/orientation in prime-time television shows evolved over the past three decades?
• What impact does live sporting event reporting have on gender bias?
• How does news outlet framing of climate change issues affect public perception and/or regulation?
  New Media
• What are the implications of user-generated content on issues of accuracy and reliability in online news reporting?
• How do online influencers affect consumer behavior and brand perception in digital marketing?
  Music & Sound Recording
• In what ways does the lyrical content of hip-hop music reflect societal attitudes towards social issues?
• How has streaming changed the music industry’s approach to artist promotion, revenue generation, and audience engagement?
• What role does background music & sound play in shaping emotional responses during film scenes?
  Motion Picture Media
• How do documentaries function as tools for activism in highlighting social justice issues?
• How do “Based on a True Story” movies differ from reality? What are the social/historical implications of these differences in terms of audience reception and awareness?
  Print Media
• What storytelling techniques are employed in serialized journalism, and how do they affect reader engagement over time?
• How have the concepts of “fake news” and opinion journalism impacted the credibility of print media today?
  Multi-Media
• How has the rise of social media influenced traditional print journalism and its strategies for audience engagement?
• Analyze how multiple news outlets may report on a specific current event story. How does framing, priming, fragmentation, bias, agenda setting, etc. impact the way your story is reported and received, and what is the final impact?