LO5:Evaluating research methods used by media research companies 

Product Reach

Media companies often expect that mass media products have a large audience reach. This means the product is more likely to be successful and will make profit through sale numbers. However, the main reason that these companies conduct research to find out how many people consume the product within the given reach.

Organisations  such as BARB and RAJAR carry this out for companies in the TV and radio industry.

Circulation 

The number of people who purchase a print product.

Readership

The number of people who read a print product as part of second-hand consumption. 

Audience Research 

This allows media companies to identify a gap in the market and create a product from this information. Audience feedback is also used to develop an understanding of needs of mainstream and niche audience.

Social media is often used for feedback as it is cost effective and usually has a high response rate as it is easy to complete.

Competitors

Research is conducted by the media producers to find out what audience think about the products and brands owned by competitors. BBC and ITV are constantly using online technologies to conduct focus groups about what viewers think about major storylines they have produced. 

Primary  

   Primary research is methods that are conducted by yourself. For example, making and releasing a questionnaire. The method used depends what the media producer wants to find out.

Secondary

Secondary research is methods using information that has already been released. For example, using the internet to find out information. Use theorists ideas can help us make informed ideas.

Primary Research Methods

Questionnaires: Consists of a series of questions. Open questions and close questions.

Focus Group: A group of people assembled to take part in a discussion about a product before it is launched.

Interviews: This method is also used in a journalism and media reporting. They are a vital part of market research.

Online Survey: Questionnaires that are shared via internet. 

Research Methods Secondary 

Internet Research- Search engines are used to gather data, personal opinions, news articles and academic research on a particular topic.

Books and Journals- Textbooks and digital editions of these provide a way of gathering information.

Magazines and Newspaper- Articles have been written by professional journalists who have used primary research methods to create for a topic.

Television- Documentaries, news and factual advice programmes can provide large amounts of information needed for research. 

Media Research Organisation 

• BARB
• PAMCO
• RAJAR

Regulation Organisation 

• PEGI
• W3C
• IPSO
• ASA
• BBFC
• OFCOM
• PRS