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Chapter Three

Components of criticism based on the communication model

1. Originator criticism

usually not a single individual

those who commission (ex. a network)

those who create (ex. a reporter)

both can influence outcomes (ex. did a TV show fail because it was poorly produced or because the network put it in a poor time slot? or both!)

there is some recognition of single creators, even in a complex media environment

auteur theory - there are some creators who can stamp their style onto various projects (ex. film directors, record producers)

2. Message criticism

what is the core communication content?

what message is intended? what story does it tell?

what is the historical/cultural context?

polysemic - content capable of multiple meanings

3. Medium criticism

focusing in on the characteristics of a medium (ex. Postman and TV)

and technical aspects

can bring in the nature/structure of the industry

can talk about competition

can include a focus on structural constraints such as government regulation

4. Receiver criticism

tends to focus on effects - how does the audience respond?

why does an audience engage with content?

what perceptions does the audience bring? (culture, values, beliefs etc.)

A Summary

Criticism seeks:

to reveal the aesthetic value of an object (message criticism)

to relate it to the structure that sustains it (medium criticism)

to relate the object to the traditions in which it belongs (receiver criticism)

to define the intention of the artist (originator criticism)