Media Ecology - A Level Exam


Section B: Media ecology (30 marks) 

Section B is synoptic, requiring candidates to synthesise their knowledge and understanding of the key concepts of language, representation, industry and audience, studied throughout the course. Candidates are expected to adapt and apply this knowledge and understanding to contemporary examples from at least two media forms in order to explore evolving media environments. Candidates should answer the question referring to at least two media forms.


Media ecology 

Media ecology refers to the complex environments within which media texts, producers, distributors, technologies and audiences exist. It is a way of conceiving the structure of these environments, their content, and impact on people. 

Possible areas of focus for candidates are: 

        • audience engagement with evolving media environments 
        • convergence of personal communication technology and mass communication technology 
        • impact on society of technological change including the collection and sharing of information and data protection 
        • the nature of globalisation and the responses of audiences and institutions 
        • the changing nature of media ownership and distribution models including net neutrality 
        • the representation of public and private personae 
        • the relationships between software, hardware and audiences 
        • the impact of developing technologies on media language 
        • changing modes of reception and their impact on audiences. 

The possible areas of focus are not exhaustive but provide examples of how candidates might adapt and apply their knowledge and understanding gained throughout the course, including AS & A Level subject content.




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