About the lecture

In this module we explore class-based approaches to understanding audiences and reception (as well as representation), focusing in particular on: (i) David Morley’s work on ‘The Nationwide Audience’ (1980) and the role of class agency in early academic work in this field; (ii) stereotypes and othering in depictions of poverty as well as how social, political and economic contexts can shape media products, using relevant examples from television such Channel 4’s ‘Benefits Street’ (2014-15); (iii) possible effects of a lack of working-class representation on the production side of media (e.g. in journalism).

About the lecturer

Dr Catherine Happer is the Director of the Glasgow University Media Group. She primarily works as a Sociologist at the University of Glasgow, with a focus on examining the role of the media in the construction of public understanding and belief. Before working in academia, she previously worked as an Audience Researcher and later Factual programme-maker at the BBC. In 2015, Catherine launched a new Masters in Media, Communications and International Journalism at Glasgow University.