Audiences

Mainstream 

An audience that consumes a product that appeals to a wide range of groups and cultures.

For example, the TV programme Dr. Who.


Niche

An audience of a specialist interest media product that may only appeal to a small number of people or those who fall with a specific demographic profile (age, ethnicity, gender).

For example, the magazine, Gardening World, or Fishing World



Chris Anderson: The Long Tail Theory

• Created by Chris Anderson of Wired Magazine
• First published in 2004 and then in 2009
• Concerns mass vs niche products and audiences

BARB data

Barb stands for Broadcasters' Audience Research Board.

The collate viewing figures for all the major UK broadcasters such as CCB, ITV and Sky.

Demographics and Psychographics

Demographics

In which media producers study the breakdown of their target audiences based on variables in age, ethnicity, gender, economic status/class, level of education, hobbies and interests and lifestyle choices.

Psychographics

Profiling of audiences based on personal briefs values, interests and lifestyle.

How someone makes a profile based on psychographic

Using psychographics can help build a profile because it includes information about in depth facts about people. Demographics are helpful in gaining basic understanding of people however, psychographics take this to the next level. This helps people build a bigger and more detailed picture on individuals. This makes it very easy to find a fit for a job as they could match the exact in depth specification required. The insight that psychographics gives you makes it much easier to find people with more specific skills and interests.