Products in the Media Industry 1

The media industry has many different sectors that we have previously discussed. We have covered both traditional media and new media and learned about the evolution of these industries. This lesson will discuss the available products used within each media industry sector.

Media products include any product that can be used by media industry businesses and distributed for commercial use. We use media products every day, such as listening to music, watching TV, and browsing social media. Media products can also include the software used to create the finished product, such as animation software or digital images and graphics.

In this lesson, we will learn about the types of products used in the media industry, including:

  1. Video
  2. Audio
  3. Music

1. Video

Video is described as “any moving visual image recorded, produced or broadcasted for viewing”. There are many types of video products. These include online and social media videos, films and movies, TV programmes, television adverts & internet adverts.

Many media industry sectors use video as a part of their business. For example, video products are used in media sectors such as film, television, computer games, interactive media and the internet.

Below are examples of how each of these media sectors uses video:

  • Film – Films are primarily visual and audio content and are created using video recording and editing techniques.
  • Television – Television broadcasts video content through various channels and platforms, including cable, satellite, and streaming services.
  • Computer games – Many computer games include video content in the form of cutscenes, animations, and gameplay.
  • Interactive media – Interactive media often incorporates video as part of its content, such as information kiosks or multimedia presentations.
  • The internet – Video content is widely available on the internet through platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, and various social media websites, including VLOGs and live streaming.

Further Thought

Create a list of every type of video product you can think of. You could do this as a brainstorm/mind map to make it more visual.

2. Audio

Audio is described as “recorded sound used to convey stories, emotions, or information for artistic or entertainment purposes”. There are many types of audio products. These include radio shows, audiobooks, podcasts, television and film audio & sound effects for video games.

Many media industry sectors use audio products for their businesses. For example, audio products are used in media sectors such as film, television, readio, computer games, interactive media & the internet.

Below are examples of how each of these media sectors uses video:

  • Film – Films combine audio elements, such as dialogue, sound effects, and music, with visual elements to create a complete experience.
  • Television – TV programs incorporate audio, including dialogue, music, and sound effects, as a crucial part of their storytelling and presentation.
  • Radio – Radio is an audio-based medium, primarily focusing on music, news, talk shows, and other forms of audio programming.
  • Computer games – Audio is an essential component of computer games, providing players with important feedback, ambiance, and narrative context through music, voice acting, and sound effects.
  • Interactive media – Interactive media projects often incorporate audio elements to enhance user experiences, such as in its interactive installations.
  • The internet – Audio content is widely available on the internet in the form of podcasts, music streaming services, and audio clips on social media platforms.

Further Thought

Create a list of every type of audio product you can think of. You could do this as a brainstorm/mind map to make it more visual.

3. Music

Music is described as “vocal or instrumental sounds (or both) combined to produce expression”. Music products include any recording of music that can be used in media industry businesses. Music products include songs, background tracks, advert jingles and more! Music is a product that is extremely popular on music streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music, where they rely on music as their main product.

Many media industries use music products for their businesses. For example, music products are used within media sectors such as film, television, radio, computer games, interactive media and the internet.

Below are examples of how each of these media sectors uses video:

  • Film – Music plays a significant role in films, providing emotional depth and setting the tone through background scores, theme songs, and diegetic music.
  • Television -TV shows utilize music for opening themes, background scores, and featured songs to enhance storytelling and create atmosphere.
  • Radio – Music is a primary focus of radio, with stations dedicated to playing various genres, promoting new artists, and broadcasting live performances.
  • Computer games – Music is an important aspect of computer games, providing ambiance, setting the mood, and enhancing gameplay experiences through background scores and in-game music.
  • Interactive media – Music can be an integral part of interactive media experiences, as it helps create immersive environments and emotional connections.
  • The internet – Music is widely available on the internet through streaming platforms, music-sharing websites, and social media platforms where artists and fans can connect and share content.

Further Thought

Create a list of every type of music product you can think of. You could do this as a brainstorm/mind map to make it more visual.

Lesson Summary

So, to summarise what we’ve learnt in this lesson:

  • Video products include online and social media videos, films and movies, TV programmes, television adverts, internet adverts, business videos, product videos and marketing videos.
  • Video products are used in media sectors such as film, television, computer games, interactive media & the internet.
  • Audio products include radio shows, audiobooks, podcasts, television and film audio, sound design for gaming and advertisements.
  • Audio products are used in media sectors such as film, television, radio, computer games, interactive media & the internet.
  • Music products include songs, background tracks, advert jingles and more!
  • Music is used within many media sectors such as film, television, radio, computer games, interactive media & the internet.