Sample Exam question- Section B-Media Contexts

 Hi blog! We just wrapped up Section B of our sample exam question to get ready for the final that’s coming up fast. Here’s my response, hope you enjoy the read!

    Media forms are always growing, and with this quick evolution, businesses must constantly look for new ways to promote their content while remaining profitable. As audiences become more varied and technologically connected, the relationship between media producers and consumers has shifted significantly. I wholeheartedly agree that new technologies have made audiences more complicated and unpredictable, prompting media outlets to reconsider how they target and communicate with viewers.

The media powerhouse Walt Disney Studios is a prime illustration of this. Disney was established in 1923 as a modest animation studio and has since expanded to become one of the world's biggest media conglomerates. The studio has adjusted to several technological changes over the years, including the transition from traditional hand-drawn animation to computer-generated imagery (CGI) and the current era of social media and digital streaming. Audiences' behavior changed along with technology.

Disney now promotes films like Captain America: Brave New World, Encanto, and Mufasa on a number of social media channels. TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and X are just a few of the platforms that let Disney reach people of all ages worldwide. But complexity has also been added as a result of its broad reach. Nowadays, audiences don't always consume media in the same ways; some purposefully avoid advertisements, while others prefer short-form material or binge-watch programs. Marketing efforts are more difficult to customize since people's media consumption habits are unpredictable in terms of where, when, and how.

Disney responds to this by collaborating with influencers who may use sponsored posts and short-form videos to more naturally market their content. Disney has direct access to specialized audience groups that could be challenging to reach otherwise because these producers have their own devoted fan bases. Teen-focused entertainment like WandaVision and Avengers: Endgame flourishes on TikTok and Instagram, while advertisements for family-friendly movies like Moana 2 can be found on YouTube and other kid-friendly websites. In addition to reaching a range of age groups, these channels give Disney the ability to collect audience preference data in real time.

Unpredictability among audiences has also been increased by technological convergence, especially the proliferation of cellphones. Nowadays, consumers may access media from a variety of platforms, including Disney+, at any time and from any location. Because of this accessibility, businesses find it more difficult to predict how their material will be debated or seen. Within hours, viral trends, memes, and even backlash can emerge, frequently beyond the company's control.

In the end, the quick advancement of digital technology has made viewers active players in the media environment. These days, viewers produce original content, rework preexisting works, and sway others with reviews, comments, and reposts. Disney and other media companies need to keep an eye on these exchanges and adjust to the continuous feedback loop that technology makes possible.

In conclusion, I concur that audiences have become more unpredictable and complex due to new technology. Disney and other businesses need to constantly adapt their tactics to stay up with the ever changing media landscape. Media organizations must continue to be adaptable, creative, and responsive in order to prosper as platforms, trends, and audience preferences change.