LO1 Task 1 : Audiences

As discussed previously both Family Guy and The Simpsons are well defined brands created by the conglomerate 21st Century Fox, Although in some aspects they are similar in terms of storylines and formats - both target different specific target audiences and do so using an array of techniques which relate strongly to audience pleasures. The simpsons has a peer to peer mode of address in order to fit the genre and appeal to the mass audience, this informal approach helps the younger side of the demographic interpret the storylines hence why it is loved by the whole family. Given the fact that this brand in particular is a household name, they rely upon the spending power of the audience to purchase and consume materials produced sub to the TV programme.

Both of these media text use visceral pleasures to appeal to the specific demographic they are targetting through the use of intertextuality and humour. In The simpsons the humour that is used is chosen cleverly as to be suitable for all ages , in some areas more explicit things are implied upon however not shown as part of the programme . These innuendos are what keeps the target audience as broad as it is and allows a different viewing experience for all the family. The animated format of the programme and use of similar age characters to the preffered audience means that it resonated with children as well as adults and has as a result become a part of a mass brand , particularly successful with children what with the variety of merchandise which it has to accompany it. In stark contrast to this Family Guy is scripted and produced to appeal specifically to a young primarily male target audience what with the gags which are aimed to lampoon American culture - in addition to this the use of sexual references is more common which appeals directly to the younger audience who would find such things more amusing.

Both brands and programmes have a more peer to peer mode of address due to the frequent mild/stong language (simpsons/family guy), this helps establish the brands for their target audiences and relate more readily to them. The simpsons has an easy to understand, informal storyline as to as said before appeal to the entire family, this relaxed approach helps the meaning to be conveyed and the uses and gratifications to become more obvious.