Production outside the commercial mainstream

Overview

Production outside the commercial mainstream, three kinds of producer working outside the commercial mainstream and two constraints an alternative producer faces.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   What is meant by production outside the commercial mainstream?

   Model answer

   Production of this kind is not primarily aimed at maximising profit or audience size. Social purpose, artistic ambition or community need drives it instead.

2. 2

   Name three kinds of producer working outside the commercial mainstream.

   Model answer

   Independent producers, not-for-profit organisations and community or campaigning groups all work outside it. Publicly funded broadcasters occupy a middle position.

3. 3

   How does an alternative publication typically fund itself?

   Model answer

   An alternative publication relies on cover price, subscription, donation, grants or a social enterprise model. Advertising is often deliberately limited or refused.

4. 4

   Why might a publication refuse advertising altogether?

   Model answer

   A refusal of advertising removes any pressure from sponsors over content. Independence is bought at the cost of a major revenue stream.

5. 5

   State two freedoms an alternative producer has that a mainstream one does not.

   Model answer

   An alternative producer can address a small audience and can take an explicit political position. Neither is commercially available to a mass-market product.

6. 6

   State two constraints an alternative producer faces.

   Model answer

   Budgets are small and distribution is limited, so reach stays low. Financial insecurity also makes long-term planning difficult.

Other ways to work this

The same content, four other ways.

What is inside Levo

Six ways to work the same material.