mediaboodschap

Mediaboodschap is a term used in Dutch-language media studies to refer to the content that is communicated through a media product or channel. It denotes the information, values, attitudes, and interpretations that a media text conveys to its audience, as distinct from the channel or platform itself. The mediaboodschap is not neutral; it is shaped by editorial choices, genre conventions, production practices, and any underlying commercial or ideological aims.

Producers decide what to include, emphasize, omit, and how to frame a story, which visuals and language are used, and which sources are cited. These choices create a particular interpretation and influence audience understanding. Audiences, in turn, may decode the message in various ways depending on their social position, prior knowledge, and media literacy.

The concept is linked to broader media theory, including encoding/decoding (Stuart Hall), framing, and agenda-setting. Analysts study mediaboodschap through methods such as content analysis, discourse analysis, and semiotics to reveal underlying messages about gender, race, class, power, and societal norms.

Examples of mediaboodschap include a news report that emphasizes economic growth, a commercial that promotes consumer aspirations, or a television series that reproduces or challenges stereotypes. In critical discourse analysis, the mediaboodschap is examined in relation to representation and ideology, and ethical questions arise regarding manipulation and bias.

Understanding mediaboodschap helps explain how media content shapes public perception, frames debates, and influences cultural norms.