Media Content Is Characterized by a Broad Range of Phenomena - Essay Example

Content Analysis Introduction: Media content analysis is an analysis of media content based on a well organized and scientific research methodology. This includes the study of a wide range of ‘texts’ from transcripts of discussions, interviews, themes from films, TV programs as well as advertising and editorial content of newspapers and magazines. The study intends to identify various attributes and traits that made Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul popular American Idol judges. Literature Review: According to Shoemaker and Reese (1996) “media content is characterized by a broad range of phenomena consisting of the messages, production techniques, medium, sources quoted or referred to, and circumstance, and the job of content analysis is to inflict some kind of order on these phenomena” (Shoemaker & Reese) with the intention of explaining their meaning. The website of the ‘American Idol’ shows that it has been one of the best entertainment programs for the past nine successive seasons. “American Idols judges include Paula Abdul, accomplished choreographer and music superstar; Simon Cowell, multi hit record producer and head of A& R at BNG Records; and Randy Jackson, a Gammy Award-winning 20-year music industry veteran and former A& R executive at MCA Records” (American Idol: The Search for A Superstar 2005). The qualified age-range for competitors in American Idol is currently 15 to 28 years old. The initial age limit was 16 to 24 in the first three seasons, but the upper limit was raised to 28 in season four. It could also be seen that the lower limit was decreased to 15 in season ten (J. Atsu Amegashie 2009) Outline and Background of the Study: Sociological theory on medicalization recommends that women, girls and other less powerful groups are more and more subject to medicines authority over their health, bodies and lives as well. This is due to the fact that during the adolescent period girls suffer a considerable drop in their self-esteem and may become especially or particularly vulnerable to medicalization. Simon Cowelll and Paula Abdul are the two judges of American Idol. Simon Phillip Cowell is an English television producer, A&R executive, industrialist and a very popular television personality. As a judge, Cowell is recognized for his blunt and frequently controversial criticisms, wisecracks and insults regarding contestants and their performances. He is also known for synchronizing actions and events of both the music and television industries, having encouraged singles and records for various artists that have grown to become celebrities. Cowell has been engaged in charity work for numerous years. He supports kids from The Association of Childrens Hospices and requests them backstage to the screenings of The X Factor. Paula Abdul, a French-Canadian/ Syrian-Palestinian musician and actress, started her job as a cheerleader for the LA Lakers. She has also recorded main three albums, had four hit singles, composed videos for several stars, choreographed various scenes for movies, starred in various films and has netted a Grammy, two Emmys and many other awards. Paula Abdul always had a soft character compared to that of co judge Simon Cowelll, who was frequently blunt in his judgments of the performances delivered by the contestants. She used to comment on Cowellls over-the-top judging manner and also tell the contestants not to take it to their heart. Moreover, once she was so horrified with Cowelll’s comments that she got really emotional and considered leaving the particular show. During the time she was serving as a judge on "American Idol," Paula Abdul accepted a second assignment as reporter for Entertainment Tonight. Fox announced in March 2006 that Paula Abdul had signed to continue as a judge on American Idol for at least three more years to come. Statement of the Purpose of the Research: The purpose of the research is to discuss and analyze the traits and attributes of the American idol judges, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell. American idol is a reality TV program focusing on the quest to find the ultimate singing sensation in the country. It had a good rating of viewers all over the world. The show had a double digit rating among its audiences. Sampling: For the analysis of the attitude and traits exhibited by the judges Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell, it is necessary to collect information from the target audience of the show. Mostly, youngsters and middle aged group people are the viewers of the show. A Systematic random sampling was conducted to collect the information from the audiences. The sample selected for the study includes: 1. Contestants of the American idol reality show = 10 Nos 2. Viewers of the American idol reality show = 10 Nos Research Questions: What attributes and traits have made Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell the judges of the American idol? Are the ratings of the judges are honest or not? Analysis: American idol is the number one rated show in America, which provides good entertainment to its viewers. American idol is someway delicately transforming how people gain knowledge of music making. Both the music and television business have changed considerably from the past generation. Viewers have disintegrated, which makes it harder for those businesses to focus on large number of viewers and advertisers, channels have expanded and new technologies have changed the approach of how they use media content. One of the victorious replies to these audience centered media attempt has been the expansion of global TV programs like American idol. The contestants of the show are being interviewed to analyze the attributes of both the judges. Majority of the contestant’s opinion was that the presence of both judges has led to improvement and progress of the show. Some of the contestants have pointed out that the harsh comments of Simon Cowell have made them to enhance their performance in the show. Some of them, however, were disappointed by his abrasive comments. Simon Cowell is very honest in judging the contestants and criticizes them to better their performance. Most of the viewers are of the opinion that Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul made American Idol more popular. Paula Abdul rates and judges the contestants equally and without putting much pressure on them. This has encouraged the contestants to have a good relationship with her. Paula Abdul was well-known for her touching and ditzy burst and give opinion against fellow judge Simon Cowell. Other judges in reality shows follow the example of Paula Abdul and look up to her for her sweet natured character. The contestants value her as a good judge who gives her own opinion about the performances of the contestant. She is never too decisive and focuses on the positive features of the contestant’s performance. She gets touched and has a sensitive feeling with the performances that deserve that kind of affection and admiration. She strongly hated the critical and kind of rude character of Simon Cowell. She always used to stand up to Simon. The contestants and viewers point out that Simon Cowell gives sharp comments and the two judges often exchange cutting remarks as an answer to their conflicting judgment. Almost all the contestants say that as compared to both the judges Paula Abdul is very cooperative and her rating is accepted and preferred by the contestant’s to that of Simon Cowell, as he states only one view. The contestant’s rating said that no other judge has behaved so sweet to each and every one as Paula Abdul. All contestants participates in this reality show with high expectations that may differ from becoming a superstar, being famous worldwide, acquiring prestige, status or even for money. When these expectations fall they become desperate and are unable to face public as their show is being watched by large number of people worldwide. They cannot tolerate the harsh comments of the judges or the audiences when their performance goes bad, therefore, they need someone to make them feel that they could do well in the next shows. Paula Abdul is such a personality who stands with their contestants. The shame in question is most frequently performed onscreen by the judging board as Simon Cowell teases about a contestant’s look or singing ability. Simon Cowell made a change on American Idol as the 2012 final four contestants would not have prepared for the finals. All of the 2012 American Idol contestants would not have ready for the finals if Simon Cowell had been an American Idol judge. Both the judges have been good evaluators for the contestants and majority of the contestant’s have therefore, responded in favor of the judges. But at the same time, the characters these two judges possess are mostly different from one another. Analysis of data helps to get detailed information regarding the attitude and traits of Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul. It shows that Paula Abdul is very successful in her professional life. Media content analysis was initiated as a systematic method to learn mass media and primarily to study propaganda. Analysis of the judges of the American Idol also helps to get deeper knowledge about particular media and their programs. It is the good rating skills and attributes of the judges that have made American idol the number one show among American as well as worldwide audience. Reference List American Idol: The Search for A Superstar 2005. Paula-Abdul.Net. The Official Paula Abdul Fan Site. Available at: http://www.paula-abdul.net/html/american_idol1.html Shoemaker, P. J. & Reese, S. D. Media Content Analysis: Its Uses; Benefits and Best Practice Methodolgy. Asia Pacific Public Relations Journal, 6(1), 1–34. Print. Read More