Evaluation Task 1: What are Conventions?

Conventions are the familiar and predictable forms and techniques used by the media to communicate certain ideas or to convey a desired impression.

There are many forms of codes, often coupled with the term of conventions, such as technical, symbolic and written codes, when shared operate by means of conventions.

Conventions are often hidden or unspoken rules that we, as an audience, learn to accept and recognise.

Conventions can eventually become so familiar that they appear to be the only ‘natural’ way of doing or understanding something.

Conventions can be used, supported or reiterated. But groups can appear different and controversial by challenging the established ways most commonly by deliberately breaking or subverting conventions.

Codes and conventions can be applied to different media concepts such as narrative, genre or realist codes.

 

Examples of conventions within the media industry are as follows:

·         Introduction and Finalisation - TV programmes and films have lengthy introductory and closing credit sequences.

·         Time - Sitcoms and soap operas are roughly half-hour shows.

·         Layout/Format - Magazines and newspapers come in a limited range of formats with recognisable, repeated layout features.

·         Symbolic codes - Film and TV genre products are governed by certain predictable narrative features, dress codes (Western/War films), lighting effects (Film Noir), special fx and explosions (Sci-fi and Action).

·         Modes of presentation –news broadcasts are usually conducted by a middle aged, serious, upper middle class person in a suit, usually seated behind a desk and reading off an autocue.