Generic Research: Language and Digital Convergence

How do media producers use language to communicate meaning?
Within magazines, producers use language such as direct mode of address, iconography and colour palettes to communicate meaning. This can be in the form of print, digital or online magazines. Meaning can be communicated through this language to engage the audience, advertise person or another product or rebrand themselves. Certain narratives can be constructed through use of mise-en-scene, including settings, costume and lighting. Camera shots are important in the construction of a text, as they can communicate many different meanings.

A high angle shot is used in this Porter cover, however the connotations of the shot type are contrasted by the cover star's 'powerful' expression, which is also highlighted by the cover lines. The cover star is dressed in red, which has connotations of power and love, which is contrasted with the natural, green setting. She adopts a direct mode of address, to give the impression that she is addressing the consumer directly.

Producers may also use techniques such as intertextuality to communicate with and flatter the audience. This Vogue cover includes an intertextual reference to Frida Kahlo by using brightly coloured flowers and clothes. The cover star adopts a direct mode of address, however she appears to be acting more passively.








How do media producers use digital convergence to link their products?
Media producers use language such as colour palettes, fonts and house style to link their products through digital convergence. Print and digital issues can be linked through digital convergence by using hashtags to notify print consumers of the magazine's online presence and vice versa. 

They may also hyperlink social media pages within their website to provide consumers with more content to engage in.