GCSE Media Studies: Coursework

Summer Project Tasks

Task 1: Research and Textual Analysis (Understanding Conventions)

1. Mise-en-scène & Visual Style: Take 3 screenshots. Use the CLAMPS acronym (Costume, Lighting, Actor placement/movement, Make-up, Props, Setting) to explain how a specific mood or brand identity is created. What are the denotations and connotations of these choices.

              This image connotes smoke in the middle of a neighbourhood and a denotation is that there are car marks on the street which shows people are racing and putting normal civilians in danger

This image shows a boy running away alone from a group of people that seem dangerous. this denotes that it may be a gang chasing this poor boy to murder him or steal from him.

This image shows that same boy you who running away earlier looking lifeless This denotes that the gang killed him or beat him up and left him on his own in that state

2.Target Audience: Who is this media product aimed at? Explain how the language, tone, and visual style appeal directly to

 this target audience.

This media product is aimed at young boys who want to act all bad and tough who then choose to get involved with bad people and must be ready to suffer the horrible consequences which are death, jail, regret and addiction.

1. 3.Branding / House Style: 

• If you chose the Music Video: How does the video make the audience feel like they are part of a fan community? How does it build the artist's brand?

   The audience can see similar graffiti they might have in their area, they can see similar aged people ,similar backgrounds  or races. This might make them feel more aware on the potential dangers awaiting if they choose this path and that maybe a family member was affected that isn't a bad person they just got mislead.

Task 2: Establishing a Concept & Brand Identity

1. The Bio: Write a brief introduction to your fictional person/group.

• Music: What is the name of the band/artist? What is their musical genre? What is the core style/vibe of their brand?

• The name of the artist is Katrina Reece and their musical genre is Hip hop and rap. The vibe is very chaotic and dark

1. Logo and House Style Mood Board: Create a visual mood board (Collection of images) for your concept. It must include:

• A colour palette (3–4 specific colors that reflect their identity). Tool: https://color.adobe.com/create/color-wheel

• Font styles that fit the genre/sport. 

• Some logo examples that might be used to inspire your own person/band that establishes the brand in the way that you envision.

Task 3: Website/Music Video Planning

Objective: Consider the practicalities of your production and what is required to make this possible.

Plan out the basic details for your website/music video. Complete the following on your blog:

1. Plan for music video/website (narrative/performance/message etc.): A fun type of song which is sort of fast paced
2. Link to brief (positive role model for website/sense of community for music video):Friendship inspired
3. Actors/performers you plan to use: A couple cousins and a friend
4. Locations: Train station, school, corner shop, beach, cinema , Northolt Hills
5. Costume/make-up/props required: A phone, lighting, normal teenager outfits 

Task 4: Statement of Intent

On the same Summer Project blogpost, write the rough first draft of your 300-word Statement of Intent for the website/music video you plan to create. The final draft of this document will be submitted to the exam board alongside your music video production/website and is worth 10 marks of the overall 60 marks available.

We don't talk anymore like we used to

End of Year 1 Exam Learner Response

 1) Type up any feedback from your teacher in full (you do not need to write the mark/grade if you do not wish to).

WWW-good effort on 20 mark question-a good level of detail

EBI-1.2 consider how different elements push the story forward

20/42=Grade 5

2) Look at the mark scheme document linked above. Question 1.1 asks about mise-en-scene. What do we use to remember mise-en-scene? Give one example answer from the clip too - you'll find example answers in the mark scheme.

We use CLAMPS to remember mis-en-scene. setting=empty city

3) Question 1.2 asks about narrative features in the extract. Look at the mark scheme to pick out three possible answers for this question. 

1.Location: the empty city creates its own enigma code with the mystery of what has

happened to the city and the people that lived there.

2.Costumes: Lyra and Will are placed in costumes that reflect the world they are from. This

helps to communicate the wider narrative arc of the show and emphasises the fact they are

‘out of place’ in this city currently.

3.Todorov (equilibrium): The empty city creates a sense of disequilibrium – that something

has gone wrong and needs to be repaired

4) Now focus on Question 2 - the 20 mark essay. Use the mark scheme to pick out one way Doctor Who reflects 1963 and one way His Dark Materials reflects 2020. 

Doctor who-Doctor was a white male, most often with a younger female companion,

reflecting and reinforcing traditional gender roles of the times, with the man as powerful

and in control and the woman as helper. Women’s helper role often been to provide an

emotional, empathetic side to the programme. Reinforcing the idea that men are active,

action-centred while women are more passive, emotional and sensitive

His dark materials-

Lyra is shown as active, determined and intelligent, making her a positive and appealing role

model for teenagers and parents, especially teen girls.

• Will is shown to be caring and sympathetic in the extract, helping Lyra up and listening to

the two girls explain why the city is empty. He subverts masculine stereotypes as it is Lyra

rather than Will leading the chase.

5.5) Reflect on your overall work and exam performance this year. What three things do you need to work on or revise in Media for Year 11? 

I think i have done pretty well this year as the minimum grade ive gotten was a 4 and highest was a 5 for majority of my exams.

To improve for next year i need to learn key vocabulary,Learn the theories and study the video clips

KISS Breakfast on KISS Radio csp

Context: Deregulation and the Evolution of Radio

1. What is meant by the term ‘deregulation’ in the context of the UK radio industry? How does this contrast with how the UK government historically controlled the airwaves up until the 1970s?

Deregulation refers to the systematic dismantling of these strict state rules, shifting the power from government regulators over to the free market. Historically, the UK government tightly controlled the airwaves. Up until the 1970s, the BBC held a legal monopoly over domestic radio broadcasting. Even when commercial "Independent Local Radio" (ILR) was introduced in 1973, it was strictly regulated. 

2.2. Explain how deregulation dismantled ownership laws. How did this change allow multinational media conglomerates to sweep in and build massive national brand networks?

Deregulation dismantled these barriers. This allowed multinational conglomerates like BMG to sweep in, buy up local stations, and build massive national brand monopolies.

3. In a heavily regulated era, radio stations faced strict penalties or license loss if they abandoned local programming or dropped community news quotas. How has modern deregulation allowed Bauer Media Group to cut expensive local production costs for KISS Breakfast?

In a heavily regulated era, a station could be fined or lose its license if it stopped playing local music or dropped its local community news quotas. Modern deregulation drastically relaxed these format restrictions. This allowed multinational conglomerates like BMG to sweep in, buy up local stations, and build massive national brand monopolies.

4. How does the regulation of traditional AM/FM radio frequencies differ from digital-only streams? Explain how this "light-touch" digital regulation allows Bauer to launch niche sub-stations instantly on apps without complex government approval.

While traditional AM/FM radio still carries public obligations, digital-only streams have incredibly "light-touch" rules.
Bauer can launch niche sub-stations (like KISS Afrobeats or KISSTORY R&B) on the Rayo app instantly without needing complex government approval or strict license applications.

Industry: Conglomerates, Monetisation, and Multi-Brand Ecosystems

1. Who are Bauer Media Group (BMG)? Detail their scale in the UK market and contrast their commercial intent with the public service remit of the BBC.

Bauer Media Group (BMG) is a massive, multinational cross-media conglomerate. They don't just own KISS; they operate a dominant portfolio of over 60 radio stations in the UK alone, alongside major magazine brands, digital media platforms, TV streaming, and large-scale live event organization.

2. Rather than relying on a single radio station to capture young people, Bauer utilises a multi-brand strategy. Name the spin-off sub-brands built around the flagship product and explain the industry logic behind this network. What competitors are they trying to stop young audiences from turning to?

Rather than relying on a single radio station to capture young people, Bauer uses a strategy called horizontal integration to build a network of sub-brands around the core flagship product.

This network includes:

• KISS: The main flagship commercial station targeting a mainstream 15-34 music audience
• KISSTORY & KISSTORY R&B: Targeted older-skewing variants focusing on "old school" dance and anthems
• KISS Xtra & KISS Dance: Targeting more niche sub-genres or club music tastes

3. What is the Rayo platform, and how does it change BMG's monetisation model? Explain how moving from standalone station apps to a unified streaming platform allows them to shift from relying solely on advertising to securing direct consumer payments.

Today, the battlefield is digital. Bauer has shifted its entire online operation onto a single customised streaming platform called Rayo (replacing the old standalone station apps). Rayo serves as a gateway for cross-promotion and data collection. Furthermore, Bauer introduces a Premium Subscription Model (Rayo Premium), giving paying customers ad-free access to specialized sub-genres like KISS Afrobeats or KISSTORY 80s. This shifts their business model from relying solely on commercial ad revenue to securing direct, monthly consumer payments.

Audience: Targeting Gen Z, Rebranding, and Media Reception

1. Define the specific age bracket, socio-economic profile, and gender bias that KISS Breakfast targets. What are the distinct media consumption habits of this core demographic?

The Age Bracket: KISS Breakfast is designed primarily to cater to the music tastes and lifestyles of the 15–34 audience. Because a 15–34 audience rarely consumes media through traditional schedules, BMG targets them using specialised digital strategies 

2. Gen Z rarely consumes media via traditional schedules.

a. What percentage of Gen Z listening to Bauer stations happens strictly via digital devices?

Over 84% of Gen Z listening to Bauer stations happens strictly via digital devices, primarily via mobile phones, the Rayo app, and smart home speakers.  

b. How does BMG package KISS Breakfast content to satisfy the visual, short-form demands of audiences on platforms like TikTok and Instagram?

The "Always-On" Social Scroll: Content from KISS Breakfast is heavily packaged into short-form video clips tailored for TikTok and Instagram. This satisfies the audience’s demand for visual, bite-sized entertainment when they aren't listening live.  

3. What interactive strategies does the KISS Breakfast show rely on to drive instant audience interaction, and how are these entries seamlessly completed by the listener?

The show relies heavily on active audience interaction, utilising regular tech, holiday, and cash giveaways entered seamlessly via text or the app to drive immediate engagement. 

4. Using the theoretical frameworks discussed in class, note down how a listener might interact with KISS Breakfast:

a. Give an example of a Preferred Reading vs. an Oppositional Reading of the show.

A preferred reading would be audiences would enjoy the banter and the fast paced slang speech .

A oppositional reading would be the show is not serious enough and that they aren't worthy of being presented and the lack of traditional speech 

b. Apply Blumler & Katz's Uses and Gratifications Theory to KISS Breakfast. How does the show fulfil an audience's need for Diversion/Entertainment, Personal Relationships, Personal Identity, and Surveillance?

Evaluating audience data reveals why Bauer refreshed the breakfast line-up. While original hosts Jordan and Perri stabilised the show post-pandemic, Bauer introduced Tyler West and Chloe Burrows to maximize appeal to the 15–34

TV and Radio Blog index

 1.Doctor who https://mediajapneet10.blogspot.com/2026/04/doctor-who-liar.html

2.His Dark Materials-Mediajapneet10: His Dark Materials 'LIAR' blog task

3.BBC-Industries https://mediajapneet10.blogspot.com/2026/06/tv-industry-contexts.html

4.BBC Radio 1 https://mediajapneet10.blogspot.com/2026/06/radio-1-launch-csp.html

TV Industry Contexts

 1) What is the BBC's mission statement?

The BBC still follows its original mission statement from 1927:

Inform, Educate and Entertain

2) How is the BBC funded?

It is funded by the tv license money that the public pays to the government who then pay it to the BBC

3) What must the BBC do to meet its public service broadcasting responsibilities? (Look at the five bullet points in the notes above).

• To provide information (that is supposed to be balanced)
• To support learning for people of all ages
• To produce creative output
• To have diverse content (such as with its representations)
• To reflect the United Kingdom, its culture and values to the world

4) Who is the regulator for TV and Radio in the UK? You can find details on this in the notes above.

The BBC is regulated by Ofcom 

5) How is TV and Radio regulated by Ofcom? 

OfCOM oversees all media channels and produces a code of conduct that all media channels must follow or have their licence to make content removed and/or be fined heavily. This includes what can be shown before the 9pm watershed and various other quality standards.

6) How do Doctor Who and His Dark Materials help the BBC to meet the BBC's remit to inform, educate and entertain? Answer this question in at least 150 words.

Doctor Who and His Dark Materials help the BBC meet its job to inform, educate and entertain because they mix fun stories with real ideas that get people thinking. Doctor Who might look like just a sci‑fi show, but it actually teaches viewers about things like time, space, technology and the consequences of our actions. It doesn’t feel like a lesson, but you still end up learning something, whether it’s a scientific idea or a moral choice the characters have to make.

His Dark Materials does something similar but in a different way. It deals with big topics like growing up, questioning authority, and understanding what makes people who they are. Even though it’s fantasy, it encourages viewers to think about real‑life issues.

Both shows are entertaining, but they also make people curious and more aware of the world, which is exactly what the BBC is supposed to do.

Radio 1 Launch CSP

 Historical, Social and Cultural Contexts

1) What radio stations were offered by the BBC before 1967?

BBC Radio Home (1939-1967),BBC Radio Light (1945-1967)  and BBC Third (1946-1970)

2) How was BBC radio reorganised in September 1967? What were the new stations that launched?

BBC reorganised and renamed their radio channels and launched Radio 1 offering continuous "Popular" music and Radio 2 for more 'Easy Listening'.

3) What was pirate radio and why was it popular?

Pirate radio was a unregulated, unlicensed radio station that broadcasted pop music as it was becoming popular for young people as it is more informal unlike the BBC

4) Why did pirate radio stop broadcasting in 1967?

 The 1967 Marine Broadcasting Offences Act officially outlawed pirate radio stations which meant the audience had to go to Radio 1 if they wanted to listen to popular music.

5) How did the BBC attract young audiences to Radio 1 after pirate radio stations were closed down?

Many of the pirate station DJs were then employed by BBC Radio 1, thus bringing many of the their loyal listeners with them. 

6) What was 'needle time' and why was it a problem for BBC Radio?

There were concerns that too much music on the radio would mean that people would no longer buy records, so the  Musicians' Union and Phonographic Performance Limited (a music licensing company) restricted the amount of recorded music that could be transmitted by the BBC during the course of any 24-hour period so they could only play music 5 hours a day this is called Needle Time

7) How did BBC Radio 1 offer different content to previous BBC radio stations?

 Radio 1 tried to copy the pirate radio’s style, it didn’t quite do it effectively initially as it broadcast simultaneously with Radio 2 – so it had to have a more formal style than the pirate broadcasters.

8) Who was the first presenter for BBC Radio 1 and why did these new Radio 1 DJs cause upset initially at the traditional BBC?

The first presenter was Tony Blackburn and he was quite informal and chatty contrasting with the traditional BBC which was very formal which some viewed as unprofessional.

9) Listen to excerpts from the Tony Blackburn's first 1967 broadcast - how might it have appealed to young listeners?

It appealed to young listeners as it was informal, upbeat pop music, casual slang and banter

10) How was Tony Blackburn's radio show more like pirate radio rather than traditional BBC radio content?

Tony Blackburn relied on unscripted chatter, upbeat jingles and conversational connection with his listeners just like pirate radio which was fully different to the traditional pre-written scripts in formal language.

Audience and Industry

1) What was the target audience for BBC Radio 1 in 1967?

The youth demographic

2) Why did Radio 1 initially struggle to attract young listeners?

It could not match the vibrant, uninterrupted pop output of the offshore pirate radio stations.

3) What audience pleasures did Radio 1 offer listeners in 1967? (Use Blumler and Katz Uses and Gratifications theory).

Personal relationships-More chatty and informal like a friend, relative 'hanging out' listening to music

4) How is the BBC funded?
BBC is funded by the government that charges for tv license

5) Applying Stuart Hall's Reception theory, what would the preferred and oppositional readings have been for BBC Radio 1 in 1967? 

Preferred reading-What producers want you to think 'cool' and innovative and new

Oppositional reading-People would think he's had 'sold out' or become part of establishment

His Dark Materials 'LIAR' blog task

 Language and close-textual analysis

1) How does His Dark Materials fit the conventions of the fantasy TV genre?

It is often set in imagined worlds or time periods.

2) Applying Propp's character theory, what character roles do some of the main characters in His Dark Materials fit into?  The hero which is Lyra who is on a mission to save the kidnapped children

The villain which is Mrs coulter as she abducts the children

3) What enigma and action codes (Barthes) can you find in His Dark Materials? Make specific, detailed reference to the text using media terminology (e.g. media language - camera shots, diegetic/non-diegetic sound, mise-en-scene etc.)

The chase scene provides both action and enigma codes as of the fast paced camerawork and editing as well as the suspenseful diegetic sounds leaving the audience filled with questions and predictions as to what might happen next.

4) What examples of binary opposition (Levi-Strauss) can you find in His Dark Materials? How do these create narrative or drama for the audience? You can find reminder notes on all these narrative theories here - just scroll down to narrative. 

The different worlds all show binary oppositions as they all do things in a certain way different to showing eachother conflict but also power suggesting a fantasy genre.

Representations

1) How are women represented in His Dark Materials? Are gender stereotypes reinforced or subverted? Think about Lyra and Mrs Coulter here.

Women are presented with superior power subverting stereotypes as Lyra strangely eats the food will cooks for her and Mrs Coulter shows her power and manipulative dominance over the other men.

2) How are men and masculinity represented in His Dark Materials? Think about Will and Lee Scoresby here.

Men have their patriarchal influence as they downgrade women such as Mrs Coulter because of the fact that she is a woman, whereas they also show less power, for example Will has to cook for Lyra instead of the other way around suggesting the subversion of stereotypes even though some are reinforced.

3) How is age (e.g. teenagers; adults) represented in His Dark Materials? Does the show reinforce or challenge stereotypes about young people? Think about Lyra and Will plus the abandoned children they meet. Also think about Mrs Coulter and other adults.

There is a generational divide as the adults have more power, however in this world shown, the adults are the more vulnerable ones whereas the teenagers are safer, subverting stereotypes.

4) How is race and ethnicity represented in His Dark Materials? Are stereotypes reinforced or subverted?

Their is a more diverse cast of His Dark Materials in terms of race and ethnicity compared to Doctor Who as the witch is played by a black woman, however Doctor Who has a fully white cast.

5) What representations of the world can you find in the episode - is it like real life? A fantasy world? Something from the past or future? Give examples from the episode.

They include talking animals (daemons), suggesting a fantasy world unlike real life because it seems like something that might happen in the future with all the new technology and creations. Also, the fantasy world and the abandoned city with the antiques and old fashioned settings and costumes suggest a past perspective and view.

Representations

1) How are women represented in His Dark Materials? Are gender stereotypes reinforced or subverted? Think about Lyra and Mrs Coulter here.

There is a mix of reinforcement and subversion of gender stereotypes.Her character subverts gender stereotypes by demontrating bravery,leadership and a fierce sense of agency.On the other hand Mrs coulter is reinforcing gender stereotypes as she is beautiful,charming and manipulative.However she also subverts as she is a powerful ambitious woman who goes against traditional maternal and nurturing stereotypes

2) How are men and masculinity represented in His Dark Materials? Think about Will and Lee Scoresby here.

Will Parry is depicted as a strong, compassionate, and responsible young man who takes care of his mother and proves his bravery and intellect as he navigates the complex and dangerous world of the series. His masculinity is not defined solely by physical strength, but also by his empathy and sense of duty.Lee Scoresby, a Texan aeronaut, is portrayed as a classic masculine figure with his adventurous spirit, loyalty, and bravery. also demonstrates kindness and a deep emotional connection with his daemon, demonstrating that masculinity in the series is not confined to traditional stereotypes.

3) How is age (e.g. teenagers; adults) represented in His Dark Materials? Does the show reinforce or challenge stereotypes about young people? Think about Lyra and Will plus the abandoned children they meet. Also think about Mrs Coulter and other adults.#

The children in this series are shown to be quite independant at a young age any survival without any adult or help from them.Mrs Coulter is also subverted as a parent who does not care for her child

4) How is race and ethnicity represented in His Dark Materials? Are stereotypes reinforced or subverted?

The actors in His Dark Materials are from a range of ethnic and social backgrounds and Will's character subverts stereotype of race and ethnicity aswell and gender.Some stereotypes are reinforced - the abandoned children in Cittàgazze are presented as working class in a very stereotypical way. 

5) What representations of the world can you find in the episode - is it like real life? A fantasy world? Something from the past or future? Give examples from the episode.

I can find representations of a fantasy world as there are unsual things such as those little demons that lyra has but will does not and overall the impracticallity of an abandoned city with strange people.

Industries

1) Which companies produced this His Dark Materials series?

Independant company 'Bad Wolf' in association with BBC studios

2) What were the UK viewing figures for A City of Magpies? How did this compare to season 1 of His Dark Materials?

It was watched by an audience of 7.2 million in the UK and 423,000 on HBO.

3) What was American network HBO's role in making His Dark Materials and why is this important? Look at the notes above for more on this.

They had invested a lot so they accquired rights to broadcast it

4) What famous stars are in His Dark Materials and why do you think they were selected for the show? Watch the Comic Con panel video in the notes above to see the stars talking about the show.

We have Dafne Keen as Lyra and says i can trust no one and nothing

5) Who are Bad Wolf and what do they produce?

Bad Wolf was founded in 2015 to create ambitious, imaginative and relevant drama for the global TV marketplace.  From its headquarters in South Wales the company has built up an international reputation as one of the foremost independent production companies in the UK, producing over 50 hours of high-end drama for broadcasters and networks such as HBO,BBC,AMC and Sky

Comparison: Doctor Who - An Unearthly Child and His Dark Materials - The City of Magpies

1) How are the technical conventions different between 1963 Doctor Who and 2020 His Dark Materials (e.g. camerawork, editing, sound and mise-en-scene)?

Both series significantly differ from eachother in various aspects such as camerawork,editing,sound and mise-en-scene.Camerawork in doctor who was simple and straightforward and had limited movement as they had once chance for the perfect shot.In His dark materials is significantly more advanced and sofisticated and the sound is much clearer as technology has evolved over time.

2) What similarities and differences are there between Doctor Who and His Dark Materials in terms of genre and narrative?

Both series are sci-fi and fantasy also both include alternate worlds and time travel.A difference is a long running tv show while His Dark materials is a series of novels which have been adpated into a film

3) How are representations of people, places and groups similar or different in the two shows?

They are similar becuase there are people from different universes in both series and different as the video quality of His dark materials is advanced and clear