Censorship - Miss Miller

Censorship

Censorship is the suppression of speech, public communication or other information that may be considered as objectionable, harmful, sensitive, political incorrect or inconvenient as determined by governments, media outlets authorities or other group or institutions.  Censorship requires part of a media to be changed ( this can be visual content or lyrics ) or replaced to protect the public from being offended in a certain way.

Ofcom is the regulator and competition authority for UK communication industries. It regulates TV and radio, fixed line telecoms, mobiles, postal services and the airwaves which wireless devices use. They make sure that people who watch television and listen to the radio are protected from offensive materials.


1) Artist - Rihanna

We choose Rihanna to analyse because she is a very controversial artist. Rihanna is an artist who has produced content which has been recognised as harmful inappropriate for all audiences and has therefore been censored.  Rihanna believes that her music videos shouldn't be censored because it is a way of expressing herself and showing off her personality to the audience. She also believes that nudity is being free and should not be covered up or censored, we get an understand of this when she quoted "nakedness makes you feel free". She likes to mock censorship by wearing items of clothing that say censorship on them, or even by this photo. This photo shows Rihanna naked behind the censored board which suggests that being censored is hiding the real Rihanna from the target audience. Her goal is to be a successful artist and make money and her tactic in doing this is to be memorable and stand out in order to gain a high amount of publicity, which will lead to success.


2) Record Label

Rihanna record label is Rock label and is one of the most finically richest record labels and was founded by Jay-Z. The record label believe that music videos should not be censored because it is doing no justice, and by not using parent advisory stickers it will attract a wider target audience. Without censorship they have stated that the artists popularity increases because the  more controversial the videos are the more the artist gets spoken about and overall leads to more publicity for the artist. Rock label believe that Rihanna has created her own image and they will support her because her target audience understand her image and idolise her. Also the Rock label support the idea of being real and if real means to use content that may not be agreed with by ofcom, then so be it.  Rihanna record label also believe that the narratives shown through her music videos are only narratives that have happened in her own person life, for example domestic abuse. They also believe that by portraying these home truths about Rihanna, gives the target audience  and insight into her personal life, and the target audience may also be able to relate to Rihanna. Therefore making a her a more stronger and successful artist.


3) Parents for censorship

Ofcom carried out research from a thousand parents and found out that the main concerns were that young children are easily influenced, and do not need artist like Rihanna to be using inappropriate content that may affect they're children. The survey ofcom constructed showed 100% of parents agreed with censorship and that they were anxious with the content played in the music videos, for example: sexual explicit content and violence. Another example of another artist that they believe has influenced their children is Miley Cyrus because they're children have grown up watching Hannah Montana, and now for her image to change completely, her target audience will then think it is okay to copy her and rein act what she does. Therefore Mileys original target audience has been affected while Miley is trying to attract another target audience. The parent for censorship believe that artists should be popular and well known for the songs they produce and not for the explicit content that they portray through their music videos, because it is having an affect on the children as they become insecure and believe they have to change there image to fit in with society.


4) Parents against censorship


Parents against censorship believe that artists should not have their songs censored just because they are trying to express themselves and show the real them. Firstly the parents against censorship argue that nudity is natural so should not be censored as children need to become more aware of the human body and themselves. The parents against censorship believe that it is up to the parents to control what there children watch, and therefore should not be censored. 2 billion people across the world drink alcohol on a frequent basis so seeing it in a music video is not going to affect a child when they are most likely to see their own parents drinking it. five year olds are allowed to taste alcohol at as its a parental choice so before children can watch and understand music videos they will be exposed to alcohol. These parents believe that society is equal and everyone should be treated fairly and be able to express themselves in their own way. Therefore why should some people even if they are artists have to hide away from the world and society. These parents believe that showing their children this content is introducing them to issues that people face everyday and are therefore learning and getting an understanding of world at a early age.


5) Fans

Fans see Rihanna as a role model so they love her for who she is and how she constructs her music. They believe that censorship should be banned as it is hiding Rihanna's true feelings and thoughts. Most of the fans are very strongly against censorship as it makes everything so much harder to understand the song, due to the lyrics and the video. Rihanna stated "are you fuc*ing kidding me" which was aimed at radio stations for censoring her songs as it destroys the whole meaning of the song, which put her fans off listening to it because it wasn't true to Rihanna's usual style. It is very clear to the fans that Rihanna is doing something right, because Rihanna as an artist has 81 million likes on her Facebook page,  21.2 million followers on Instagram and 47 million million on twitter, this shows that her fans understand and idolise her style so why should they all miss out due to censorship distorting her music. Fans say that Rihanna creates her music to show experiences of her own life for example in the music video "love they way we lie" she presents a theme of domestic relationships which she was once involved in herself. With censorship changing certain parts of th music video this may become confusing for the audience and the whole point of Rihanna trying to present her life stories will be pointless. Mainly all of Rihanna's fans believe that censorship is a joke and should be abolished, as it is restricting the fans from being able to see the real Rihanna and how she feels.


6) British music channel MTV

Mtv is the most well known and successful music channel, and they allow uncensored music videos to be shown after 9pm, this is called the watershed. Mtv did this to protect those under age, as they believe that after 9pm all those under age are not watching Mtv. They believe that some music video content should be censored because this will ensure they have content for all types of audiences which means they can target a wider target audience which means they can gain more publicity and promotion through the word of mouth. The lead author of the position paper stated that children spend an average of two hours a day listening to music through headphones, therefore makes it harder for the parents to control what their children are listening to because they can't physically hear it. Mtv believe that it is impossible to completely stop the inappropriate target audience from watching or listening to content that may be suitable for them. Due to the technologies of the 21st century, children are able to download music apps on their phones to illegally download music for free and listen to this with headphones plugged in and no one would know what they are listening to. Mtv would rather the artist censor they're own music or make a second music video that would be appropriate  for all target audiences. This is so Mtv don't have to upset the either the artist of the fans by censoring it themselves.

7) British music channel AKA

Aka have a target to highlight raw talent, so this means they are against censoring on there channel as they believe it will hide the artists talent. Aka are known for helping upcoming artist make a name for themselves. As a channel they believe that being censored is taking out our freedom of speech. The reasons for Aka being an uncensored music channel is because they believe it is the audiences job to control want they want to watchband want they think is appropriate for their viewing. They also believe its the audience job to control what they want to watch and what they deem suitable for there for viewing. The music video content is how the artist wants to be perceived and by censoring it Aka believe that the artist will not be able or find it difficult to succeeded by always having censorship as a barrier. They believe that creating a music video is flaunting the artists creativity and they want to be able to show this on the music channel.


8) British radio station BBC1

Nick Grimshaw is a presenter on Radio 1 and interviewed Rihanna on the show after she mocked the use of censorship. This made Nick Grimshaw protest against Rihanna and this lead to; Nick making sure her explicit songs were banned from the show and he petitioned against her, to get her songs taken of the charts as well. This would overall affect Rihanna in a negative way and could make her fan base shrink.  Rihanna showed how furious she was by tweeting about how outraged because of the ban. The tweet that got the media attention was "are you fuc*ing kidding me!" this tweet was aimed at Nick to show how frustrated and angry she was with he's decision.

9) British radio station Capital Xtra

Capital Xtra is known for playing genres such as: dance, pop and rap music. They are a sensible radio station and allow the uncensored songs to be played after the watershed of 9pm. Capital Xtra do believe in protecting the public and also believe in the freedom of speech. Capital Xtra do use a range of techniques in order to protect the younger target audience, some of these are: blanking, this is when the controversial word is silenced so the harmful word can no longer be heard, bleeping, this is a short beep played over the harmful word, re-sampling when a similar word is played instead, for example "girls" instead of "hoes", and finally back mashing, this is where a word is repeated from the previous sentence. Overall Capital Xtra are for censorship until the watershed in order to protect the younger target audience.

Overall censorship is a very controversial topic and has many different views from artists, record labels and music television channels. Some people agree with censorship as they think it protects the audience and helps the younger population to be safe from explicit content on the internet, television and radio channels. I can understand their view and can see that censorship does benefit parents that can't watch what their children are listening to twenty four seven. But i am personally against censorship as i believe the pros of censorship do not outweigh the drawbacks. I think the acts that you may see and hear in an uncensored music video children already see in real life anyway. Also i believe it is important for the artist to have their freedom of speech so it should not be quashed as music is a way of expressing feelings and attitude. Finally i think that the explicit content should be seen as it educates children on what to expect when growing up and prepares for the years to come, i don't think that it is the artists fault if the children decided to rein act the artist. I believe that would be down to the parents to control what their children do.

Research into Goodwins music video theory

Goodwins music video theory

Goodwin's theory is essential to acknowledge when analysing a music video because it shows a music video should consist of in order to succeed.

1. Music videos demonstrate genre characteristics.
2. There is a relationship between lyrics and visuals.
3. There is a relationship between music and visuals.
4. The demands of the record label will include the need for lots of close ups of the artist and the artist may develop motifs which recur their work.
5. There is frequently reference to notion of looking and particularly voyeuristic treatment of the female body.
6. There is often intertexual reference.
7. Whether the video is primarily performance based, narrative based or concept based.

50 Cent - 21 Questions ft. Nate Dogg

1) Music videos demonstrate genre characteristics


The genre of this music video '50 Cent - 21 questions ft. Nate Dogg' is rap. There are many characteristics of the rap genre which are also displayed throughout 21 questions music video. For example a narrative based music video and violence.




Throughout the music video from start to finish most of the content is narrative and concept based with some performance involved. This is common convention of a rap genre as the artist try to describe and show a story through their songs. Therefore the narrative was used to show how 50 cent is involved in illegal criminal activity in order to make money, the concept was based around being a criminal and the performance was when 50 cent sings to the camera.


2) There is a relationship between lyrics and visuals

In the music video 21 questions there is a relationship built between the lyrics and visuals in order to help the audience clearly understand and follow the song. Artists do this in order to keep the audiences attention and so that the audience is clear on what style of music video it is.

An example in 21 questions is when 50 cent is on the phone in prison asking he's girlfriend questions to reassure him that she still loves him. "If I wrote you a love letter would you write back"  this relates to the visuals as in prison the inmates write to there loved ones. You then see another inmate put the phone down and 50 cent punches him. This is a classic convention of a rap genre music video. The lyrics match the visuals this is similar to performance style as we can see 50 cent raping through the phone.

Another example is when is at he beginning of the music video 21 questions 50 cent says "New York city" this matches the visuals as the setting of the house and the clothing 50 cent and he's girlfriend are wearing illustrates a American lifestyle. We can see this by the urban neighbourhood and when the police car is driving 50 cent to prison. This is conventional as we expect to see relations to where the artist comes from. This is due to the artist wanting to be able to express how they feel and show the lifestyle they live in.

3) There is a relationship between the music and visuals

There are elements of relationships between the music and visuals throughout the music video. This helps to make the music video flow and benefits the audience understanding of what the artist is trying to express. Also to create a more memorable and successful music video.

My first example from 21 questions is when the camera shots are changing on each time the background beat is replayed. Particularly when 50 cent is allowed to see he's girlfriend in a cabin in the prison. The camera is changing to different angles in time with the beat. This allows the audience to feel in time and also helps the narrative fit, As the tempo of the song stays at a constant beat the audience could lose track quite easily. Therefore the music and visuals having a relationship and matching helps to create a more successful and easy to understand music video. That was essential is 21 questions as it is mainly narrative based.

4)The demands of the record label will the needs of lots of close ups of the artist and the artist may develop which recur in their work.

The concept is shown in 21 questions music video, when there is various close ups used through the use of cinematography.  The close ups are mainly used on 50 cent to show he's facial expressions and the performance style of the music video, to show him rapping in time with the song.  The use of close ups help to build a relationship between the artist and the audience, because the close ups give more meaning behind the lyrics as the artist can then show their emotion and expressions clearly to the audience.

The use of close ups on the audience is that it makes the song personal to them. This is because the audience will feel like the artist is singing to them. Therefore making the music video more personal, relatable and understandable which will effectively make a more successful and entertaining for the target audience.

Also the close ups highlight the importance and dominance of the artist. It also shows them in a voyeuristic light which will lead to the fans thinking of the artist either as a role model or fancying the artist. This would lead to more publicity and promotion for the artist.

5) There is frequently reference to notion of looking and particularly voyeuristic treatment of the female body

This element is frequently used within the music video 21 questions. The use of looking at the female body in a voyeuristic way is presented through out the music video. This is evident in the scene of; 50 cent in prison being aloud to see he's girl in the cabin. The artist ( 50 cent ) looks and touches he's girlfriend in a voyeuristic approach.

This element makes portrays the artist to be getting what he wants and overall making him look superior to the other prison in mates.

It also portrays females to be valued as the song relates to trust and loyalty. This is evident when 50 cent keeps having viewings just with her no other friends or family. It also does show the female body and reference to particularly voyeuristic treatment. This is evident in the scene that 50 cent and the girlfriend are seen kissing and cuddling. This is typical of a rap genre video and very conventional as females are seen to be objectified and used to make the artist look good. In this case the female is not being seen in a objectified light but she is conventional as she is the rappers girl and sticking by he side even though he has gone to prison.

6) There is often intertexual reference

There is intertexual reference within the music video to the film 'get rich or dye tryin' which is a film about how 50 cent grows up into a rapper and what happened a long the way. As there are some of the same actors in he's film in the prison scenes as inmates. This is done to convey that some of the people in the same circumstances as him ended up in prison. Therefore this shows that he's lifestyle is dangerous and criminal based. This is conventional of a rap artist, as most rap artist are known to rap about the hard times and struggles of their life. Using an actor from the film of get rich or dry tryin, allows the fans of 50 cent to relate and remember both the music video and the film. This is beneficial to the artist as he will receive more publicity and recognition through the media and word of mouth, therefore creating a successful music video.



7) Whether the video is primarily performance based, narrative or concept based

The 21 questions music video is primarily narrative based, this is due to a high amount of the music video illustrating a story about 50 cent.  Through out the music video most of the shots were showing 50 cent in a bad mood or upset towards the camera and then happy when he got to see he's girlfriend. This presents the music video as very much narrative based.

The music video does have some elements of a performance and concept based video. The elements of the performance based video are when 50 cent is rapping down the phone to he's girlfriend and when he is rapping to the camera. This is performance as it is done to entertain and engage with the audience. Finally i think they're are two small concepts of the video even though it is narrative based, these are; being loyal to your partner, and a criminal theme/concept. This is due to the location being in prison and the iconography of the big amount of money in cash at the beginning of the music video. Also the concept about being loyal, is shown through out of 50 cent being happy around he's girlfriend and only seeing her in he's viewing times, and ringing her. This shows that he cares about her and therefore leads to showing loyalty and commitment.


In conclusion analysing a music video with Goodwins theory has helped me understand how and what should be included in a music video in order to make it successful. The fact that 21 questions covered all of Goodwins theory and is evidently successful by the 104 million views it has on youtube. From analysing 21 questions using Goodwins theory i think it will help me to remember to include each of the seven points, when filling my own music video.

Research into television music channels

Research into television music channels 

The purpose of music television channels are so that people can easily access the music video. It is mainly watched for the countdown, for example top 100 songs countdown, as the music audience like to find out which songs are in the top 10. A popular music television channel is MTV, this is watched for entertainment and for more information about the song, for example who the artist is, who song may be featuring and what year the song was released.

MTV

The target audience for MTV is 13-21 year olds. Looking at todays schedule on mtv television today it is evident that they are targeting the 13-21 year old target audience by the list of programmes they are playing today. For example: Alesso 5 big ones, 50 sexiest dance vidz!, big summer tunes! from the way they have named the channel using text type words such as: vidz and tunes it is clear that mtv are targeting a teenage audience. 

MTV specifically plays popular chart music, for example maroon 5, Jess Glynne and more well known succeeding artists that are making it into the charts. This is so that mtv keep their reputation of playing the latest and most popular songs from the best artists. The most common artists that have been on mtv lately are: Ed Sheeran, Nicki Minaj, Beyonce, Drake and Chris Brown.

Mtv are owned by a company called Viacom International Media Networks (Europe) who also own television station such as Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and Channel 5.  The benefits of mtv being owned by a big company like Viacom is that Viacom will have a huge budget, this will lead to masses of promotion, which will then raises the awareness of the television channel which will then increase the amount of viewers and overall lead to mtv being successful. 

The logo of mtv looks like it has been graffitied drawn on, this appeals to the audience as the age group mtv is targeting (13-25 year olds) as graffiti is seen to be rebellious and something that this age group will see around their lifestyle of going to school or college.  Therefor the Logo being styled in a way that teenagers can relate to easily helps the logo being more attractive and appealing to the audience.   

Flava

Flava is a music television channel with a target audience of 15-35, this is due to the range of different genres of music that they cover. These are: hip hop, R&B, UK garage, dubstep and drum and bass.  A list of programmes that Flava are currently screening are: Top 10 biggest tracks now, R&B singles chart, Non stop Flava, Garage anthems. From the list of the programmes that Flava are playing it is clear that the target audience are 15-35.

Flava specifically play up to date chart music to keep a intreging television channel that the audience will stay interested in, due to no old out of date records being played. Typical artists that appear frequently in Flava's music television channel are: Pink, Sam Smith, Meghan Trainor, Britney Spears and Sugababes. These artists help to create publicity around Flava due to there success and popularity, and the audience watching their favourite artists music on the music channel Flava.

Flava is owned and operated by a company called CSC Media group who also own channels such as: True movies 1, True movies 2, Chart show TV and The Vault. The benefits of Flava being owned by a fairly big company CSC is that it is likely to own magazines that could help brand and advertise the music channel, this would help to maximise the target audience as the people who are buying the magazine will then see the advertisement and possibly watch the television music channel. Overall having a positive impact on the popularity of Flava's television channel.

The logo of Flava is attractive to their target audience because The triangle highlights the diversity of different genres they play throughout there channel. Also the font of Flava where the 'A' looks to be leaning on the 'L' links in with the range of different people that could use this channel due to the contrast in genres Flava displays throughout. By the letter leaning into another letter suggests to the audience that even if they don't listen to some of the genres displayed, there are genres for them to listen to on this music channel.


AKA
Club land tv


Kerrang 

The target audience for Kerrang is 17-24 year olds the average age is predicted to be 22, this is due to the most common age that start to listen to rock. Looking at Kerrang schedule today it clearly shows that the genre is rock. I can see this by the name of the channels, for example: Rock Armageddon and This Weeks Rock Video Chart! Top 10.

Kerrang specifically plays the latest rock songs, this is evident by the Kerrang Tv guide of today, playing: Friday Night Rock Anthems. The most typical artists that appear commonly on Kerrang are: Nickleback, James Hatfield and Foo Fighters.

Kerrang is owned by a company called The Box Plus Network. The Box Plus Network have other recognisable channels such as: 4music, Heat, Kiss TV and Smash Hits. The benefits of Kerrang being owned by a big company like The Box plus Network are:

• A large Budget - this could be used to promote the music video channel, increase viewing hours and maximise awareness of the channel. This can be done by advertising on social media clips of the music videos that they stream, also this could be done by radio station shout outs.

The Logo of Kerrang is simple colours black and white so that the mass audience is attracted and can not be put off by wacky colours. Also the logo has a broken glass/window faintly look behind the text, this implies that the content of Kerrang is rebellious, this relates to the genre as rock is seen to be: smashing, angry and quite a violent genre. The whole text is in block capitals which can suggest that the music being played is loud and clear. This will intrigue the target audience as they are typically seen to listen to the rock genre music louder than others, so the capital letters suggesting loud music will automatically interest the target audience.

AKA

The target audience for Aka is 16-34 year olds. By the programme being broadcasted at 5pm 'The Official AKA Rap & Grime Chart' you can clearly identify what genre Aka is and that the audience is a big target audience as the title is formally written, no slang or teenage type words as it mainly adults who are targeted.
Some of the Channels being broadcasted by Aka are : Big Beats!  Aka party 50 and Welcome to Aka house party. This shows that Aka are using quite formal language in order to not put off the over 25s target audience.

Aka are constantly refreshing their channels with the latest and most liked music videos in order to keep their target audience of 16 - 34 year olds interested and on there channel. The genre being Rap and Grime has lead to Aka being known for looking out for the latest songs by artists such as: Eminem, Skepta, Devlin and being one of the first music channels to broadcast their latest songs. This has lead to keeping their reputation and fans loyal to their channel. Which therefore makes Aka a successful up to date music television channel.

Aka is owned by a company called 'All around the world productions' which is a record label and has signed artists such as: Dappy, Charlie Brown and Skepta. The benefits of these famous artists being signed to Aka is that, Aka can stop other television music channels using there artists music on their channel. This can lead to Aka being exclusive, by having popular artists music only shown on there music channel which make more Aka a more popular music channel as there is no alternative television channel for the fans of the artists such as Skepta, which are only played on AKA.

The logo of Aka is black and white to attract the mass target audience. The simple colours relate to the small diversity of genres that Aka show: just Rap and Grime. Also within the logo, in-between the letter K and A there is a man with a flat cap on looking to be leaning against the wall. This little man looks cool and suits the type of people Aka would be targeting to listen to their music channel. The man is an typical representation of a 16-34 year old that listens to Rap and Grime. Therefor suits the Logo, and makes the image more relatable and conventional to the target audience. This is because the image is idolising the target audience look, into one image.


In Conclusion throughout this post i have learnt that different music channels and different owners can lead to larger or smaller budgets for music channels. Also mainly all the Music channels try to keep up to date by showing the latest and most popular songs and artists, this is to keep their audience interested and hooked not their channel. I think the channel that is succeeding the most is the original MTV as it has gained a high reputation and having side programmes that relate to their target audience, i think that this intrigues their audience further and makes the target audience more devoted to watching MTV than most other channels.