CPCF 1F25: The media we want?

We are constantly surrounded by mass media in our everyday lives. That being said, an important question we can ask ourselves is: “Do we get the media we want, or want the media we get?” Personally, I believe that we get the media we want, because we are in control of what we take in - view, listen to, read, etc. Sure the mass media provides us with information on world news, pop culture, and popular tv shows/movies, but it is our choice as consumers to view/listen to the advertised products.

Television and movie producers are constantly trying to accommodate to their viewers needs. An example of this is the show Degrassi the Next Generation. This television series draws in younger viewers as it deals with different challenges that can be seen as relatable for many teens. Our textbook further explains how, “the media producers, in constructing their images and stories, are reflecting various social ideas and beliefs that are held by different social groups” (O’Shaughnessy & Stadler, 2012, p. 59). This proves that we get the media we want. The media constantly responds to social issues, and current events however it is ultimately, the audience’s decision to view the media.

The textbook also explains that, “consequently, there may be an interesting contradiction between the values of media producers and their audience’s desires, a contradiction that is revealed in the course of satisfying the imperative to popularity; there is thus a recognition of the powers of the audience/consumers to determine which media products succeed” (O’Shaughnessy & Stadler, 2012, p. 38). In other words, even thought producers/cast members might not like or agree with what they are providing us, as long as the audience is interested and they give good reviews, they will continue to provide us with what we want. As an example, I will use the television show Duck Dynasty. As stupid as some people may find it, it wouldn’t be aired without all its viewers. Many consumers are drawn to different reality shows like Duck Dynasty, which is why there are so many types of them.

            In conclusion, we as consumers are in total control of what we expose ourselves to and therefore we get what we want. At any point in time, we have the choice to get rid of certain medias. If we don’t like hearing about all the devastating stories in the news, then we have the choice to refrain from watching/listening to it. There might be a particular fashion style that is “in,” but if someone doesn’t like that style, they aren’t going to go out and buy clothes they don’t like. This can all be linked to individuality. If we don’t get the media we want, and instead want the media we get, wouldn’t everyone be similar because we would all desire what we see/hear in the media?