I love reading magazines, and “National Geographic” is simply one of my favourites.
I do not have cable TV; so subscribing to the monthly-published National Geographic magazine allows me to have a readable version of Discovery Channel.
As a magazine is a form of media that sends media messages to “invisible receivers”, it contains information that aims to captivate and capture, as receivers are entirely free to reject the magazine if they do not feel attracted.
The messages of the National Geographic are also non-exclusive and temporal, usually dedicated to anyone (although subscribers usually are those who love environment and geography) and available almost anywhere.
The media functions as a source of surveillance (to inform), correlation (to analyze and evaluate), cultural transmission (to educate and allow receivers to socialize), and entertainment (to enjoy and gratify). I clearly see how the media functions when I indulge in the National Geographic magazine.
1. Surveillance
Information about climate, science and the theme of this month's issue- The Neanderthals are all published in the magazine.
2. Correlation
Evaluation and analysis information is evident when the prices of bread from different countries are analyzed and the growth in cost is detected.
Look at all these beautiful pictures! =) For the lovers of the environment, such a sight surely is great enjoyment and gratification to the eyes. Even I, who knows nothing about photography looks at these pictures of nature with awe.
Indeed, I was amazed how these four areas are taken into account to attract receivers, and for the first time, reading National Geographic never was so informative as I realize all the areas of information that is dedicated to me, the invisible receiver.
I hope that you see how powerful the media functions as much as I am awed.
Information about climate, science and the theme of this month's issue- The Neanderthals are all published in the magazine.
2. Correlation
Evaluation and analysis information is evident when the prices of bread from different countries are analyzed and the growth in cost is detected.
3. Cultural transmission
Readers are educated about other cultures in this issue as the country, India, is talked about. Also, the section on "Letters" where readers from all different countries write in to share their views.
4. Entertainment
Readers are educated about other cultures in this issue as the country, India, is talked about. Also, the section on "Letters" where readers from all different countries write in to share their views.
4. Entertainment
Look at all these beautiful pictures! =) For the lovers of the environment, such a sight surely is great enjoyment and gratification to the eyes. Even I, who knows nothing about photography looks at these pictures of nature with awe.
Indeed, I was amazed how these four areas are taken into account to attract receivers, and for the first time, reading National Geographic never was so informative as I realize all the areas of information that is dedicated to me, the invisible receiver.
I hope that you see how powerful the media functions as much as I am awed.
P.S. This magazine is taken from the newest issue of National Geographic- October 2008
4 comments:
as it was once said by some villain (i think it's james bond), 'whoever owns the media controls the world! muahaha... >:D'
are you like, considering a career in the media industry now you evil fiona?! haha.
but seriously, the media pervades our modern lives to a significant extent, for we are all so connected with its numerous forms- be it the internet, mobile, tv (which you don't have haha!), radio, newspapers, magazines, etc. the media may not be able to make us think what they want us to think, but they can subtly suggest certain things, notions for us to think ABOUT.
BE AWARE/BEWARE!
I like the way you segmented the appeal of magazines like National Geographic! I love mags like these too =) Unfortunately, I think the appeal of many magazines these days have drifted towards more of entertainment than people wanting to learn something or again insights.
Well Josh, usually villains just lose and movies make the good guys win. =P Low chance to "RULE THE WORLD!" like Pinky and the Brain. Or maybe they just didn't consider using the media except children engrossed in Kids' Central.
Fiona can consider being some newscaster or journalist or something =D
nice blog u got there... =) neat n informative...
It's in fact pretty pleasing to the eye, that makes the details more reader friendly for digestion! =D
Pictures speak a thousand words. And in the case of the National Geographic magazines, its very true.
Using captivating photos to attract the targetted audience. I believe that the National Geogrpahic did a wonderful job in using the photos to express what they want to bring across.
very interesting.
yijing
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