Gratifications theory (Blumler & Katz)

Gratifications Theory (Blumler & Katz)

In 1974 Blumler and Katz stated that individuals might choose and use media for several different purposes. For example;Diversion, which is essentially the escape from everyday problems and routine.Personal relationships, which is using the media for emotional and other interaction. Personal identity, which is finding yourself reflected in the media and learning behaviours and values from this. Lastly, Surveillance, which is information that could be useful for living such as weather reports,financial news or holiday bargains. In addition, since then the uses and gratifications have been extended with new media such as video games and the internet.

Diversion

EastEnders is a prime time TV Soap that is watched by a large audience. It helps people with diversion because this show consist of dramatic and emotional scenes with a flowing story line.The audience focus on it so closely that they forget the lines of their own reality which helps them deal with day to day problems.

Personal relationships

in some cases Big brother helps people build emotional affection to characters. This is because the audience will be watching a bunch of people living inside one house and therefore, some members of the audience may start to feel a particular way about one of the many characters.

Personal identity

People may find themselves reflected or may possibly learn behaviours and values from The Apprentice. This is because this show contains many strong and inspiration entrepreneurs that people may aspire to be like. Also, the main person in this show is referred to as an Business Icon therefore people may want to watch this to learn specific behaviours and values.

Surveillance

Sky news fits into this category because people would get their weather, traffic news and financial news from here. It is also very convenient,