Funding (WJEC Eduqas GCSE Media Studies): Revision Note
Exam code: C680
Funding models
What are funding models?
Funding is vital for media products to go through production and distribution
The importance of different funding models within the media industry is that they shape what content is produced, how it is presented, and who it represents
The size of a budget also impacts the final outcomes of production through factors such as technology, personnel and reach
There are different funding models available to media organisations:
Government funded
Not-for-profit
Commercial models
Government funded
Government funded media is financed by the government
It aims to serve the public interest rather than profit
Example: A public health awareness campaign for the NHS
Products funded this way tend to have more educational, informative and diverse content
Government funded products have a duty to reflect audience members from all different backgrounds and maintain impartial views
However, it can also face political pressure due to reliance on public funding with audiences judging how their money is being spent
Not-for-profit
Not-for-profit media products are made for reasons other than making money
Like government funded, these products usually aim to serve the public, encourage diverse representation and promote democratic values
Example: The BBC is funded mainly through the TV licence fee which is paid by UK households
Commercial models
Products funded through commercial models aim to make a profit
They are often funded by advertising
Organisations using this funding model want to attract large audiences
These products often have more of an emphasis on audience appeal rather than public value
Example 1: Fortnite is commercially funded through in-game purchases and brand collaborations
Example 2: Vogue (UK edition) funded through advertising, sales, and brand partnerships
Worked Example
C1 Section B Industry:
Briefly explain the difference between how public service radio and commercial radio are funded
[4 marks]
Public service radio is funded by public money, such as the licence fee, which helps fund stations like BBC Radio. This funding is linked to the type of content the station must produce so that it educates, informs and entertains a wide range of audiences.
In contrast, commercial radio is funded through the sale of advertising and sponsorship slots. This means its income depends on attracting large audiences that advertisers want to reach rather than meeting public service obligations.
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