Music and News
Definition: The music industry utilizes a range of media platforms to promote and market the media texts it produces. Record labels aim to disseminate information about artists and new releases to their target audiences, both established fans and new fan bases, to achieve maximum product sales of music releases, concert tickets, and merchandise.
Purpose: Promote and market performers.
Examples: Magazines for specific subgenres, such as Kerrang! for heavy metal, help reach niche audiences.
Purpose: Promote album and single sales, introduce new artists, maintain focus on existing artists, entertain, and encourage replays.
High Production Values: Many mainstream music videos are produced with high-quality visuals and sound to attract viewers.
Objectives:
Promote both album and single sales.
Promote new artists and maintain interest in existing artists.
Create and maintain an exciting and dynamic image for the artist or band.
Entertain the audience and encourage re-plays of the video.
Convey the meaning and story of the song through visual images.
Styles of Music Videos:
Performance Music Video
Components:
Footage of Artists Performing: Artists sing or play instruments, often with direct mode of address to make the audience feel personally engaged. Example: One Direction's You and I.
Concert Footage: Clips from live performances showing the crowd, creating a sense of being part of the concert audience. Example: Justin Timberlake's Take Back the Night.
Unusual Locations: Artists performing in unique settings such as cliff tops or tropical beaches. Example: Justin Bieber's I'll Show You.
Informal Situations: Bands performing in casual settings like a tour bus or rehearsal room. Example: The Vamps' Wild Heart.
Lip-Synching: All vocal performances in the video are typically lip-synched unless the recording is live.
Narrative Music Video
Components:
Storytelling: The video tells the story of the song lyrics through technical codes and editing. Example: Olly Murs' Dear Darlin'.
Actors: Use of actors to portray the story, sometimes cutting between actors and the artist performing. Example: Carly Rae Jepsen's I Really Like You.
Short Films: Some music videos are made as short films to communicate the song's meaning using narrative techniques similar to feature films. Examples: Taylor Swift's Blank Space and Kanye West's Runaway (34 minutes).
Physical Copies: Include inserts with extra information about the artist.
Back Cover: Contains the names of the songs, which can influence purchases based on the popularity of certain singles.
Record companies also use the internet to promote albums, singles, and artists through official websites. Typical codes and conventions of these websites include:
Design: Reflects the genre of music with appropriate colors, features, and iconography.
Information: News about concert dates, press releases, and exclusive features on the artist.
Multimedia Content: Includes concert footage, interviews, photo galleries, and links to social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.
Online Shop: Allows visitors to buy merchandise, including t-shirts, posters, and other memorabilia.
Industry Links: Direct links to the record company and merchandisers' websites.
Fan sites vary based on what aspect of the band or artist they focus on. They often have low production values and are more about the fan's perspective than the artist.
Social media has become a crucial marketing tool for the music industry. It enables official accounts to interact with fans and allows fans to share comments and media texts, leading to viral content. Unsigned bands can also attract record company attention via social media.
Record labels can be major or independent. Major labels are usually owned by multinational media conglomerates. The major labels, known as "the big four," are:
EMI
Sony BMG
Universal Music Group
Warner Music Group
Independent labels are often seen as more fashionable or edgy. However, some major companies create subsidiary labels that appear independent but are owned by large conglomerates. Examples of independent labels include:
Domino
XL
Rough Trade
Fierce Panda
Artists and bands can also be discovered via TV shows like The X Factor, providing a prime-time media presence before releasing records. Record companies often manufacture bands through TV talent shows and private auditions, owning the copyright in the music produced and paying the artists royalties.
A and R (Artists and Repertoire) Manager: Scouts talent and signs bands.
Marketing Manager: Responsible for marketing bands and artists.
Promotions Manager: Handles promotional material, working closely with the marketing manager.
Press Officer: Manages press releases and press enquiries about new releases.
Video Commissioner: Commissions directors to shoot music videos.
Engaging Content
Storytelling: Compelling narratives in music videos and albums.
Relatability: Songs and themes that resonate with the audience's personal experiences.
High-Quality Production
Professionalism: High production values in music videos, albums, and live performances.
Innovation: Unique and creative approaches in visuals and sound.
Strategic Releases
Timing: Releasing music at optimal times to maximize audience reach.
Exclusive Content: Offering exclusive tracks or limited-edition merchandise.
Interactive Platforms
Live Streams: Engaging with fans through live performances and Q&A sessions.
Social Media: Active presence on social media platforms to interact with fans.
Collaborations
Features: Collaborating with other popular artists to reach a broader audience.
Cross-Promotions: Partnering with brands for mutual promotion.
Fan Involvement
Contests and Giveaways: Engaging fans through contests and giveaways.
Fan Art and Contributions: Encouraging fans to create and share content related to the artist.
Cultural Relevance
Topical Themes: Addressing current events and social issues in music.
Representation: Reflecting diverse cultures and perspectives.
Merchandising
Variety: Offering a wide range of merchandise to appeal to different tastes.
Quality: Ensuring merchandise is of high quality and appealing to fans.
Touring
Live Performances: Regular tours and live performances to connect with fans.
Virtual Concerts: Offering virtual concerts for global reach.
Media Appearances
Interviews and Features: Appearing in interviews and feature articles in prominent media outlets.
Award Shows: Participating in and performing at award shows for visibility.
Community Building
Fan Clubs: Establishing official fan clubs for dedicated fans.
Meet-and-Greet Events: Organizing meet-and-greet events to foster personal connections.
Regulatory bodies ensure that artists and bands receive royalties for their intellectual property from record companies and media organizations.
Key regulators include:
Mechanical Copyright Protection Society (MCPS): Manages royalty collection for album and single sales in physical and digital formats, paying these royalties to bands and artists.
Performing Rights Society (PRS): A society of songwriters, composers, and music publishers that licenses the use of their members’ music compositions and lyrics when played in public, broadcast on media, used online, or copied onto physical products.
Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL): Licenses the use of recorded music for public play, broadcast, or online use on behalf of record companies and performers.
Video Performance Limited (VPL): PPL's sister company that handles the licensing of music videos for public play or broadcast, distributing royalties to its members.
The advent of digital downloads posed significant challenges for the music industry due to the ease of illegal file sharing.
Streaming sites such as Spotify, funded by advertising, have become popular for free music listening. Subscribers can pay to stream music without ads and download songs.
Royalties from streaming sites are considerably lower compared to digital downloads, prompting debates on royalty payments and leading some artists to withdraw their music from these platforms.
YouTube has become a major platform for music listening, with videos from popular artists receiving millions of views.
Definition: News is information about current events or recent happenings, typically reported by journalists and media organizations. It covers a wide range of topics, including politics, economy, culture, sports, and more.
Characteristics:
Timeliness: News is about recent or ongoing events, making it relevant and up-to-date.
Relevance: It addresses topics that are significant or of interest to the audience.
Impact: News often highlights events or issues that affect a large number of people.
Proximity: Events happening closer to the audience are generally given more attention.
Prominence: Stories involving well-known individuals or entities are more likely to be reported.
Conflict: Situations involving conflict, controversy, or tension are often newsworthy.
Types of News:
Hard News: Serious, fact-based reporting on important issues like politics, business, and international affairs.
Soft News: More entertainment-oriented stories, such as celebrity news, human interest stories, and lifestyle features.
Breaking News: Urgent and immediate reports about unexpected events.
Feature Stories: In-depth articles that explore a particular topic, often providing background information and analysis.
Citizen Journalism: News reported by individuals who are not professional journalists, often using social media and other digital tools.
Role of Journalists: Journalists are responsible for researching, investigating, and reporting news stories. They verify facts, provide context, and aim to present information in a fair and unbiased manner.
Ethics in News Reporting: Ethical journalism involves accuracy, fairness, and impartiality. Journalists strive to avoid conflicts of interest, respect privacy, and ensure the reliability of their sources.
Newspapers:
Print publications offering news, feature articles, editorials, and ads.
Typically published daily or weekly, serving as primary community information sources.
Established format with a history of journalistic integrity and editorial oversight.
Magazines:
Periodical publications focusing on specific topics like fashion, lifestyle, politics, or hobbies.
Feature in-depth articles, interviews, and high-quality photography.
Appeal to niche audiences interested in specialized content.
Television:
Broadcast medium delivering news through visual and audio content.
Offers live reporting, interviews, and analysis on current events.
Provides immediate updates and in-depth coverage on national and international news.
Radio:
Broadcasting news and entertainment through audio transmissions.
Delivers timely updates throughout the day, often with commentary and expert analysis.
Widely accessible, particularly for local news and community updates.
Online News Websites:
Operated by news organizations, providing articles, videos, and multimedia content.
Updated frequently to deliver breaking news and comprehensive coverage.
Archives allow access to past articles and interactive features engage readers.
Social Media Platforms:
Facilitate news sharing among users, enhancing reach and engagement.
Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram feature news updates and user-generated content.
Fast-paced environment for real-time news dissemination and public interaction.
News Apps:
Mobile applications delivering personalized news content to smartphones and tablets.
Provide notifications for breaking news and allow users to customize preferences.
Integrate multimedia elements for enhanced storytelling and offline reading capabilities.
Print Media:
Newspapers and Magazines:
Distributed through subscriptions, newsstands, and digital editions.
Target diverse demographics with localized or specialized content.
Advertisers leverage print's credibility and visual appeal for brand visibility.
Broadcast Media:
Television and Radio:
Reach wide audiences through scheduled programming and live broadcasts.
Advertisers benefit from audio-visual formats and captive audience engagement.
Regional and national coverage enhances brand recognition and message delivery.
Digital Platforms:
Online News Websites:
Accessed globally via web browsers, offering real-time updates and archived content.
Advertisers use targeted ads based on user demographics and behavior.
SEO and social media integration enhance visibility and user engagement.
Social Media and News Apps:
Utilize social networks' vast user base for news dissemination and viral marketing.
Advertisers leverage targeted ads and sponsored content for precise audience targeting.
Mobile-friendly formats and push notifications drive user interaction and brand engagement.
Cross-Media Integration:
Multimedia Campaigns:
Combine print, broadcast, and digital platforms for comprehensive reach.
Integrated marketing strategies amplify brand messaging across channels.
Data analytics track campaign effectiveness and optimize marketing ROI.
Objective Tone:
News articles maintain a neutral and factual tone, avoiding bias or opinionated language.
Clear and concise writing style prioritizes clarity and information delivery.
Inverted Pyramid Structure:
Organizes information with the most important details at the beginning (lead paragraph).
Allows readers to grasp essential information quickly before delving into further details.
Attribution and Sourcing:
Cites sources and quotes accurately to uphold journalistic integrity.
Provides transparency and credibility by attributing information to reliable sources.
Headlines and Subheadings:
Headlines summarize the main point of the article succinctly.
Subheadings break down complex topics and guide readers through the article's structure.
Language Accessibility:
Uses language accessible to the target audience, avoiding jargon or technical terms without explanation.
Balances complexity to inform and engage readers of varying literacy levels.
Ethical Considerations:
Respects privacy and sensitivity in reporting, adhering to ethical guidelines.
Considers cultural contexts and potential impacts of language choices on diverse audiences.
Corporate Ownership:
Many news outlets are owned by large corporations or conglomerates.
Corporate ownership can influence editorial policies, news coverage, and political affiliations.
Emphasis on profitability may impact journalistic independence and the diversity of viewpoints.
Independent Media:
Some news organizations operate independently, free from corporate influence.
Independent media often prioritize investigative journalism and public interest reporting.
Maintaining editorial independence can be challenging due to financial constraints and competition.
Public Broadcasting:
Government-funded or nonprofit organizations operate public broadcasting services.
Focus on providing unbiased news coverage and educational content.
Funding stability and public trust are critical for sustaining public broadcasting.
Digital Disruption:
Rise of digital platforms has democratized news distribution and consumption.
Online news startups and citizen journalism challenge traditional ownership models.
Concerns about misinformation and editorial standards persist in the digital age.
Impact on Media Diversity:
Diverse ownership fosters a variety of perspectives and voices in news coverage.
Consolidation of media ownership can limit diversity and reduce competition.
Regulatory frameworks aim to promote media plurality and safeguard editorial independence.
Definition: The music industry utilizes a range of media platforms to promote and market the media texts it produces. Record labels aim to disseminate information about artists and new releases to their target audiences, both established fans and new fan bases, to achieve maximum product sales of music releases, concert tickets, and merchandise.
Purpose: Promote and market performers.
Examples: Magazines for specific subgenres, such as Kerrang! for heavy metal, help reach niche audiences.
Purpose: Promote album and single sales, introduce new artists, maintain focus on existing artists, entertain, and encourage replays.
High Production Values: Many mainstream music videos are produced with high-quality visuals and sound to attract viewers.
Objectives:
Promote both album and single sales.
Promote new artists and maintain interest in existing artists.
Create and maintain an exciting and dynamic image for the artist or band.
Entertain the audience and encourage re-plays of the video.
Convey the meaning and story of the song through visual images.
Styles of Music Videos:
Performance Music Video
Components:
Footage of Artists Performing: Artists sing or play instruments, often with direct mode of address to make the audience feel personally engaged. Example: One Direction's You and I.
Concert Footage: Clips from live performances showing the crowd, creating a sense of being part of the concert audience. Example: Justin Timberlake's Take Back the Night.
Unusual Locations: Artists performing in unique settings such as cliff tops or tropical beaches. Example: Justin Bieber's I'll Show You.
Informal Situations: Bands performing in casual settings like a tour bus or rehearsal room. Example: The Vamps' Wild Heart.
Lip-Synching: All vocal performances in the video are typically lip-synched unless the recording is live.
Narrative Music Video
Components:
Storytelling: The video tells the story of the song lyrics through technical codes and editing. Example: Olly Murs' Dear Darlin'.
Actors: Use of actors to portray the story, sometimes cutting between actors and the artist performing. Example: Carly Rae Jepsen's I Really Like You.
Short Films: Some music videos are made as short films to communicate the song's meaning using narrative techniques similar to feature films. Examples: Taylor Swift's Blank Space and Kanye West's Runaway (34 minutes).
Physical Copies: Include inserts with extra information about the artist.
Back Cover: Contains the names of the songs, which can influence purchases based on the popularity of certain singles.
Record companies also use the internet to promote albums, singles, and artists through official websites. Typical codes and conventions of these websites include:
Design: Reflects the genre of music with appropriate colors, features, and iconography.
Information: News about concert dates, press releases, and exclusive features on the artist.
Multimedia Content: Includes concert footage, interviews, photo galleries, and links to social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.
Online Shop: Allows visitors to buy merchandise, including t-shirts, posters, and other memorabilia.
Industry Links: Direct links to the record company and merchandisers' websites.
Fan sites vary based on what aspect of the band or artist they focus on. They often have low production values and are more about the fan's perspective than the artist.
Social media has become a crucial marketing tool for the music industry. It enables official accounts to interact with fans and allows fans to share comments and media texts, leading to viral content. Unsigned bands can also attract record company attention via social media.
Record labels can be major or independent. Major labels are usually owned by multinational media conglomerates. The major labels, known as "the big four," are:
EMI
Sony BMG
Universal Music Group
Warner Music Group
Independent labels are often seen as more fashionable or edgy. However, some major companies create subsidiary labels that appear independent but are owned by large conglomerates. Examples of independent labels include:
Domino
XL
Rough Trade
Fierce Panda
Artists and bands can also be discovered via TV shows like The X Factor, providing a prime-time media presence before releasing records. Record companies often manufacture bands through TV talent shows and private auditions, owning the copyright in the music produced and paying the artists royalties.
A and R (Artists and Repertoire) Manager: Scouts talent and signs bands.
Marketing Manager: Responsible for marketing bands and artists.
Promotions Manager: Handles promotional material, working closely with the marketing manager.
Press Officer: Manages press releases and press enquiries about new releases.
Video Commissioner: Commissions directors to shoot music videos.
Engaging Content
Storytelling: Compelling narratives in music videos and albums.
Relatability: Songs and themes that resonate with the audience's personal experiences.
High-Quality Production
Professionalism: High production values in music videos, albums, and live performances.
Innovation: Unique and creative approaches in visuals and sound.
Strategic Releases
Timing: Releasing music at optimal times to maximize audience reach.
Exclusive Content: Offering exclusive tracks or limited-edition merchandise.
Interactive Platforms
Live Streams: Engaging with fans through live performances and Q&A sessions.
Social Media: Active presence on social media platforms to interact with fans.
Collaborations
Features: Collaborating with other popular artists to reach a broader audience.
Cross-Promotions: Partnering with brands for mutual promotion.
Fan Involvement
Contests and Giveaways: Engaging fans through contests and giveaways.
Fan Art and Contributions: Encouraging fans to create and share content related to the artist.
Cultural Relevance
Topical Themes: Addressing current events and social issues in music.
Representation: Reflecting diverse cultures and perspectives.
Merchandising
Variety: Offering a wide range of merchandise to appeal to different tastes.
Quality: Ensuring merchandise is of high quality and appealing to fans.
Touring
Live Performances: Regular tours and live performances to connect with fans.
Virtual Concerts: Offering virtual concerts for global reach.
Media Appearances
Interviews and Features: Appearing in interviews and feature articles in prominent media outlets.
Award Shows: Participating in and performing at award shows for visibility.
Community Building
Fan Clubs: Establishing official fan clubs for dedicated fans.
Meet-and-Greet Events: Organizing meet-and-greet events to foster personal connections.
Regulatory bodies ensure that artists and bands receive royalties for their intellectual property from record companies and media organizations.
Key regulators include:
Mechanical Copyright Protection Society (MCPS): Manages royalty collection for album and single sales in physical and digital formats, paying these royalties to bands and artists.
Performing Rights Society (PRS): A society of songwriters, composers, and music publishers that licenses the use of their members’ music compositions and lyrics when played in public, broadcast on media, used online, or copied onto physical products.
Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL): Licenses the use of recorded music for public play, broadcast, or online use on behalf of record companies and performers.
Video Performance Limited (VPL): PPL's sister company that handles the licensing of music videos for public play or broadcast, distributing royalties to its members.
The advent of digital downloads posed significant challenges for the music industry due to the ease of illegal file sharing.
Streaming sites such as Spotify, funded by advertising, have become popular for free music listening. Subscribers can pay to stream music without ads and download songs.
Royalties from streaming sites are considerably lower compared to digital downloads, prompting debates on royalty payments and leading some artists to withdraw their music from these platforms.
YouTube has become a major platform for music listening, with videos from popular artists receiving millions of views.
Definition: News is information about current events or recent happenings, typically reported by journalists and media organizations. It covers a wide range of topics, including politics, economy, culture, sports, and more.
Characteristics:
Timeliness: News is about recent or ongoing events, making it relevant and up-to-date.
Relevance: It addresses topics that are significant or of interest to the audience.
Impact: News often highlights events or issues that affect a large number of people.
Proximity: Events happening closer to the audience are generally given more attention.
Prominence: Stories involving well-known individuals or entities are more likely to be reported.
Conflict: Situations involving conflict, controversy, or tension are often newsworthy.
Types of News:
Hard News: Serious, fact-based reporting on important issues like politics, business, and international affairs.
Soft News: More entertainment-oriented stories, such as celebrity news, human interest stories, and lifestyle features.
Breaking News: Urgent and immediate reports about unexpected events.
Feature Stories: In-depth articles that explore a particular topic, often providing background information and analysis.
Citizen Journalism: News reported by individuals who are not professional journalists, often using social media and other digital tools.
Role of Journalists: Journalists are responsible for researching, investigating, and reporting news stories. They verify facts, provide context, and aim to present information in a fair and unbiased manner.
Ethics in News Reporting: Ethical journalism involves accuracy, fairness, and impartiality. Journalists strive to avoid conflicts of interest, respect privacy, and ensure the reliability of their sources.
Newspapers:
Print publications offering news, feature articles, editorials, and ads.
Typically published daily or weekly, serving as primary community information sources.
Established format with a history of journalistic integrity and editorial oversight.
Magazines:
Periodical publications focusing on specific topics like fashion, lifestyle, politics, or hobbies.
Feature in-depth articles, interviews, and high-quality photography.
Appeal to niche audiences interested in specialized content.
Television:
Broadcast medium delivering news through visual and audio content.
Offers live reporting, interviews, and analysis on current events.
Provides immediate updates and in-depth coverage on national and international news.
Radio:
Broadcasting news and entertainment through audio transmissions.
Delivers timely updates throughout the day, often with commentary and expert analysis.
Widely accessible, particularly for local news and community updates.
Online News Websites:
Operated by news organizations, providing articles, videos, and multimedia content.
Updated frequently to deliver breaking news and comprehensive coverage.
Archives allow access to past articles and interactive features engage readers.
Social Media Platforms:
Facilitate news sharing among users, enhancing reach and engagement.
Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram feature news updates and user-generated content.
Fast-paced environment for real-time news dissemination and public interaction.
News Apps:
Mobile applications delivering personalized news content to smartphones and tablets.
Provide notifications for breaking news and allow users to customize preferences.
Integrate multimedia elements for enhanced storytelling and offline reading capabilities.
Print Media:
Newspapers and Magazines:
Distributed through subscriptions, newsstands, and digital editions.
Target diverse demographics with localized or specialized content.
Advertisers leverage print's credibility and visual appeal for brand visibility.
Broadcast Media:
Television and Radio:
Reach wide audiences through scheduled programming and live broadcasts.
Advertisers benefit from audio-visual formats and captive audience engagement.
Regional and national coverage enhances brand recognition and message delivery.
Digital Platforms:
Online News Websites:
Accessed globally via web browsers, offering real-time updates and archived content.
Advertisers use targeted ads based on user demographics and behavior.
SEO and social media integration enhance visibility and user engagement.
Social Media and News Apps:
Utilize social networks' vast user base for news dissemination and viral marketing.
Advertisers leverage targeted ads and sponsored content for precise audience targeting.
Mobile-friendly formats and push notifications drive user interaction and brand engagement.
Cross-Media Integration:
Multimedia Campaigns:
Combine print, broadcast, and digital platforms for comprehensive reach.
Integrated marketing strategies amplify brand messaging across channels.
Data analytics track campaign effectiveness and optimize marketing ROI.
Objective Tone:
News articles maintain a neutral and factual tone, avoiding bias or opinionated language.
Clear and concise writing style prioritizes clarity and information delivery.
Inverted Pyramid Structure:
Organizes information with the most important details at the beginning (lead paragraph).
Allows readers to grasp essential information quickly before delving into further details.
Attribution and Sourcing:
Cites sources and quotes accurately to uphold journalistic integrity.
Provides transparency and credibility by attributing information to reliable sources.
Headlines and Subheadings:
Headlines summarize the main point of the article succinctly.
Subheadings break down complex topics and guide readers through the article's structure.
Language Accessibility:
Uses language accessible to the target audience, avoiding jargon or technical terms without explanation.
Balances complexity to inform and engage readers of varying literacy levels.
Ethical Considerations:
Respects privacy and sensitivity in reporting, adhering to ethical guidelines.
Considers cultural contexts and potential impacts of language choices on diverse audiences.
Corporate Ownership:
Many news outlets are owned by large corporations or conglomerates.
Corporate ownership can influence editorial policies, news coverage, and political affiliations.
Emphasis on profitability may impact journalistic independence and the diversity of viewpoints.
Independent Media:
Some news organizations operate independently, free from corporate influence.
Independent media often prioritize investigative journalism and public interest reporting.
Maintaining editorial independence can be challenging due to financial constraints and competition.
Public Broadcasting:
Government-funded or nonprofit organizations operate public broadcasting services.
Focus on providing unbiased news coverage and educational content.
Funding stability and public trust are critical for sustaining public broadcasting.
Digital Disruption:
Rise of digital platforms has democratized news distribution and consumption.
Online news startups and citizen journalism challenge traditional ownership models.
Concerns about misinformation and editorial standards persist in the digital age.
Impact on Media Diversity:
Diverse ownership fosters a variety of perspectives and voices in news coverage.
Consolidation of media ownership can limit diversity and reduce competition.
Regulatory frameworks aim to promote media plurality and safeguard editorial independence.
