Media Language Task

Signs

• The various signs within the media product have been carefully chosen by the media producer to specifically represent or signify something, so they have a specific meaning and/or purpose.
• Some signs used within the individual elements are features that reinforce the type of media product, in this case a music magazine, is infront of the audience. This can be seen in the cover with the use of a 'masthead', which is a recognisable logo and element of branding for the magazine, therefore making it a sign with a specific purpose to draw the audienced attention and create a memorable image. Also on the cover, the use of a barcode reminds the audience that this is a magazine, making it a sign that represents the type of product and means it will be sold in shops such as newagents and supermarkets. Similarly, the use of a price also indicates this. The date and issue number are also both signs that indicate a time period and, consiquently, context for the media product.
• Within the cover, signs are used again for similar reasons; for example, the use of numbers on the page all in the same typography next to text, and in some cases images, indicate page numbers for articles. These signs therefore have a specific purpose to direct the audience.
• Signs within the double page spread are very similar; for example, the use of page numbers here are, again, signs with a specific purpose to help the audience navigate the media product, and have been carefully selected and placed by the media producer. These signs also relate back to the contents and therefore have a specific purpose to link the different elements of the overall media product together.

Denotation and Connotation

Context

• The use of the date on the cover is a clear indicator of context, this allows the audience to understand that the information and opinions presented within the media product are only true and/or credible at that point in time, as media is a fast paced industry.

Anchorage

• Anchorage is the way in which several elements come together to create a definate meaning; for example the combination of an image and a caption/text.
• Within my own work this can be seen on the cover

Activity

• The idea of activity relates to the activity within photographs and images on the page and what these indicate and connotate, aside from the obvious meaning.

Words on the Page

• The words on the page have been constructed by the media producer, and therefore it has to be considered that the opinions presented within the text may be their own. We also have to identify that the writer will have taken a moral position/opinion/judgement on all issues raised or discussed within the media piece. These different moral positions can often arise through personal interpretation of the text and the connotations within it.

Photographs/Camera Work/Mise-en-scene