Codes are used in media to create meaning, there are two different types of codes which are used to create meaning. The first type of code is a technical code; a technical code is when a piece of equipment is used in a specific way to create meaning, for example the camera being shot at different angles to show who has the power in the situation. The other type of code is called a symbolic code. Symbolic codes are used to show deeper levels of meaning, like how a character is feeling by their actions. Conventions are things that happen in a media product that tell the audience about something that is going to happen. For example, there is a convention in CSI-Miami for the character Horatio Caine to take off his sunglasses before the opening credits of the episode. Conventions are also when something has been done the way it has always been done and how it's audience expect it to happen.
2. Identify the codes and conventions for the following media products including examples for each product.
- Radio
- Magazines
- Audio-Visual Media (film and television)
In radio, especially radio dramas, there are many codes and convention. One important radio code is to do with the ambience. In radio dramas it is important that the location of a scene is clearly identifiable from the audio. For example, if the scene was set in a school, in the background you might hear children playing or a school bell. A convention for radio dramas is to have cliffhanger endings, they keep the interest of the listener as they want to find out what happens to the characters. An example for a radio drama is 'Stone' on BBC Radio 4.
In magazines there are several codes and conventions. One convention is to have the bar code at the front of the magazine in order to leave space for an advert on the back page. A code of a magazine is to have the name of the magazine in large lettering at the top of the magazine, as it makes it easy to know and identify which magazine it is. Another convention for a magazine is to have the main image on the front cover be the topic for the main article. An example of a magazine is Empire magazine.
There are several codes and conventions for audio-visual media. For example, one convention of a television program is for it to be episodic, part of this means that there is an overarching storyline for the season as well as an individual story for each episode. Another convention for a television program is for each character to have an individual story as it makes the show more realistic to the audience. Something that happens in the majority of television programs, is that the two main protagonists end up in a relationship. This is done to create something for the audience to anticipate. It also helps the character development as it will give the protagonist a weakness and therefore something for the writers to torture the character about. An example of this is The Flash.
3. Analyse a magazine cover of your choice demonstrating how the use of codes and conventions communicates a message to the target audience.
On this magazine cover, there is a barcode in the bottom left hand corner in order to leave space on the back page for an advert. As well as this, the name of the magazine is in it's recognised red lettering making itself clearly visible to the people who want to buy it. It also has a picture of Jennifer Laurence playing Katniss Everdeen, showing that the main article is about her film. In addition to this there are parts showing the other articles in the magazine. 
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