Audience Theories

Brown Theory (1987):

The Brown theory is when the main location is within the home. Within soap operas, this is normally the case, however there are scenes in soaps that do use different settings. Relating back to a post previously done on settings, some scenes are set in different environments, for example garages, cafes, pubs etc. The Brown Theory really does relate to soap operas as scenes are usually set within peoples homes. Again in Eastenders the Queen Victoria Pub is one of the main locations, which belongs to Kat and Alfie. This would also be the same case with two other main British soaps, Emmerdale and Coronation Street. All three main locations within the soaps mentioned are set in the pubs, which the characters also live in. The second section of the Brown's theory is that soaps are shown as serial form with little sense of narrative. This section of the theory would be correct as soaps do not come to an conclusion. This means that soaps will never end, instead they will just continue and new stories will be developed once another story has come to an end.

Uses and Gratification:

Instead of researching what the media do to the audience, this approach is to find out what the audience with the media. This theory also takes accounts of the audiences personalities and also their personal needs.