T3 | Wk 8 | Monday - Where are the audiences

  

https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/news/media-use-settles-into-a-new-routine-2026-where-are-the-audiences/

https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/news/where-are-the-audiences-2026/

T3 | Wk 8 - Theory for Media Ecology Exam - Uses and Gratification

  

Uses and Gratifications

Bring in Blumler and Katz.

This theory argues that audiences actively select media to satisfy needs.

Examples; 

Entertainment

Netflix / Disney+

Information

YouTube

Social interaction

TikTok / Instagram / Reddit

Personal identity

Fan communities

Escapism

Streaming / gaming

Therefore institutions use different platforms because:

Different platforms provide different forms of gratification.

ACTIVITY 

Write a paragraph for MEDIA ECOLOGY that incorporates the above theory into the following previous exam question from 2024;

"Evaluate the significance of contemporary technologies which have changed our relationship with the media."

T3 | Wk 8 | Monday - Participatory Culture

 

Fandom Theory explored

Listen to this expanded explanation of Jenkin's theory;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5tCKXIXA5g

Write down the key terminology, key concepts and explanations for these concepts. 

What are some of the challenges of the participatory culture? 

Write a 1 paragraph explanation of Jenkins understanding of participatory culture in relation to power and the media, exploring whether audiences are now just as powerful as institutions or not. 

Case Study - Youtube

 You are going to revisit Youtube as a case study.

Refresh on the way this business model has evolved and adapted to contemporary media environments. 

Think about this and write a one paragraph response about YouTube for each of the following topics;

1. Media Regulation being challenging in a digital world

2. The Medium is the message (how this new app has changed society behaviour and culture) 

3. Traditional power structures within the media industry

Video #1 - An Origin Story 

Video #2 - Youtube's story

T3 | Wk 7 | Tuesday - Media Regulation - Meta and Big Tech

Do some research into current events concerning Meta.

1. What are they in trouble for? 

2. Who is holding them accountable?

3. What is NZ's response to Meta needing to take accountability for the platform? 

4. What sorts of reforms have there been and in what countries? 

What are your thoughts and reflections on this situation as it unfolds. How far do you think Big Tech should be held accountable? At what point should governments get involved with regulation? How does this example point to how tricky globalism makes regulation? 

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/26/technology/meta-settlement-social-media-addiction-lawsuit.html

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyq4gxwe7go

https://www.facebook.com/reel/2174035356478596

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/1056224/meta-back-in-court-to-face-its-biggest-social-media-addiction-trial-yet

In what ways are NZ government making proposals for media reform to protect young people? 

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj068q7qj19o

T3| Wk 7 - Audience research presentation

  

We are studying audiences for this next part of the puzzle in the media landscape picture. 

Your task is to conduct a research project to compare and contrast media use across the demographics. 

Action points;

1. Demonstrate and outline clear breakdown of the demographic brackets that you'll be using 

2. Create a questionnaire that includes a range of questions that gathers information on media use; including time spent consuming media, where media is accessed and ways in which technology is used in consuming media. 

3. You'll need a sample size big enough to gather significant data and qualify trends that emerge (this should be at least 10 people in each age bracket / demographic)  

4. Collate the data and put together a presentation on your findings 

5. Taking it a step further - how are institutions developing and changing in their response to audience trends 

You will be marked as follows;

- Research conducted is thoroughly conducted, using well thoughr-out questions, across an appropriate sample pool for the purpose of the exercise 

- Research is collated and presented in a professional, clear way. Conclusions and findings are presented in a way that demonstrates understanding of key concepts.

- There is a clear understanding of how the audience trends identified impact media institutions and the way they interact with audiences. Examples are detailed, varied, relevant and back-up the findings  

- The presentation utilises relevant blog tools in a way that clearly and effectively lays out information. 

T3 | WK 3 | Friday - Fortnite and Media Regulation

Consider the content in the video below for a wider context helpful in media regulation;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7F1W7-PlH9s

A NZ context;

 The NZ Classification Office explains that Fortnite does not have a New Zealand classification because it is an online-only game, while international ratings are used. It also discusses online interaction, parental controls, different game modes and in-game purchases

NZ Classification Office — What is Fortnite?

Student questions

1. Why doesn't Fortnite have a NZ classification?
2. What does this reveal about the difficulty of regulating digital media?
3. Why might online-only media challenge traditional regulatory systems?
4. What role do international classification systems play?
5. What role do parents/platforms play?
6. Is regulation becoming more difficult because media are increasingly global?
7. Who should be responsible for regulating Fortnite?

NZ Classification Office — Video Games and Classification

"Why are some games classified in NZ but other online games aren't?"

The Classification Office explains that traditional classification legislation was created in the early 1990s, while online/downloadable games now create different regulatory challenges. 

technology → legislation → industry → audience