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TSR Wiki > Study Help > Subjects and Revision > Revision Notes > Media Studies > Soaps - An Introduction
- Soap is a drama characterised by exaggerated emotions, stereotypical characters, interpersonal conflicts, aim for social realism and melodramas
- Keeping key locations and characters are crucial to loyal audiences
- Any audience can identify and relate to situations and characters.
- Regarded as a female genre, female orientated- described as lacking seriousness and emotions heightened. There is an inclusion of sensitive males in soaps (such as Ashley from Corro and Spencer Moon and Gus from Enders).
- Soap originally began from an advertising campaign for soap powder “Oxydol” on American radio sponsoring “Ma Perkins”.
- Soaps only started to become valued and significant in society in the 80’s. They have their own award shows and “best soap” awards, creating soap “wars” esp. between Enders and Corro. Soap stars are becoming celebrities in their own rights. (since Angie and Den, soap stars as celebs was unheard of)
- BBC only launched Enders in 1985, to save the channel that was at risk. They never really embraced the “low-brow entertainment” of soap (The Grove family-50’s, The Newcomers-60’s and Triangle-70’s) but they had to be competitive.
- Over 50 years soap has revolutionised and changed dramatically and the promotion of soap is a considerable reason for the development of audience’s expectations.
- Now an audience will know what to expect in an episode, because of the media attention soaps are now getting from magazines and newspapers. (Who shot Phil? who shot J.R in Dallas,? Jamie being killed on Xmas day and Matt and Steve killing Saskia)
- However when there was not so much media attention years ago, people would purposefully tune in.
Enders would not have been as successful or have such a high profile without the press intrusion.
Comments
These notes are based on the requirements for AQA A2 Media Studies, though will be relevant for other boards too.
Some of the examples may need updating for current exams (though still valid, there are more recent examples you could use).
