Describe Niche and Mainstream audiences with specific text examples.

A Niche audience is that of a specific content that directly targets a relevant audience, which can be a lot smaller than a mainstream audience. To determine whether a text has a Niche audience is the scheduling of the programme, its specific content, the audience access and the mode of address. A text that has a Niche Audience may be " Natures Microworlds" which can be found on BBC 4. This channel generally airs programmes of a specialist content, which only some people would have an interest in. It is shown during unpopular times such as in the middle of the day when people who arent at work such as elderly people who may take an interest into wildlife. Also people with that specific interest and want to be educated will record it during the day and watch it when neccessary. Also Niche Audiences have the uses and gratification of " Information", where the audience want to be educated about the specific topic. A Mainstream audience, wouldn't necessarily be interested in this specific programme as they may not share an interest into nature and its activities. Thats why the scheduling of this programme is so important, to get a good amount of views per showing. 

A Mainstream Audience is viewed by a large mass of people, based on popular cultures and interests. Texts which target Mainstream Audiences are those that are repeated multiple times within the week, are televised at popular times during the day and are based on popular interests such as; singing, dancing, real life dramas etc.  A text such as the X Factor, is shown on a saturday night at 8pm, which is a time where families are sitting watching TV, might be having a takeaway and are looking for a programme which provides entertainment.  It is also shown on ITV1 which is a popular channel for reality TV shows. It also advertises other reality TV shows broadcasted on the same channel and things relating to the audience watching EG families, so clothes, food shopping and car adverts. Mainstream texts follow the uses and gratification of ' Entertainment' as the audience is able to escape from problems, are able to relax and may be able release emotion. The programme targets both males and females; as females may enjoy the singing side to it whereas the men may watch it due to an attractive judge like Nicole. The X factor targets all of these points, showing funny and terrible singers creates humour and entertainment. Whereas a really good singer could create emotional release and make someone cry; which both make the programme a success. Another uses and gratification is Intergration and Social Intergration, which is popular within Mainstream texts. The X factor, although a singing competition, gives insight into other peoples situations and can create sympathy towards that person. These are created by the " sob stories" which draws the audience in and to make an opinion on the person. Reality TV shows are also basis of conversation within social groups as most people tend to watch them. This encourages people to watch a specific programme so they can join in with general conversation and share similar interests.