Audience Theories

Maslow's - Hierarchy Needs

Blumer and Katz - Uses and Gratifications

Diversion - This is when a soap introduces a sense of humour into it, and is used as entertainment. An example of this could be Fatboy (Arthur Chubb) from Eastenders. Fatboy it always known for the comedy that he brings to the soap. 

Surveillance - This is the information given that could affect someone, and gives out information about what is happening in the real world. For example, a few years ago, Patrick in Eastenders talked about the tragic death of pop star Michael Jackson. 

Personal Identity - This is when a character in a certain soap can be associate with the audience, almost as if they can relate to them in some ways. An example of this could be the character Ryan in Coronation Street, who had a drug problem. People may not only be able to relate to Ryan in this situation, but his mother Michelle, who is worried and think it was because of his poor up bringing. 

Personal Relationships - This could occur when there is a murder or affair in a soap, and the audience can make a decision on who they think are responsible, and can share this opinion with others. A perfect example of this could be when Archie Mitchell was murdered in the Queen Vic in Eastenders, as no body knew who it was, but everyone had their own opinion. This was a tricky one to work out, because Eastenders showed the killing, but not assaulter  and the only thing visible was a pair of black gloves worn by the suspect. There was then a numerous amount of characters filmed taking of a black pair of gloves, so the audience would not know who it was.