What are conventions in media studies?

In media studies, conventions refer to the expected ingredients or established practices associated with a particular type of media text. These conventions shape how audiences interpret and engage with the media, as they are often familiar with the elements typical to specific genres or formats. For instance, in a romantic comedy, audiences expect certain tropes, such as comedic misunderstandings and a happy resolution, which form part of its conventional structure. Understanding these conventions is critical for analyzing how media texts are constructed and how they communicate meaning.

The other options focus on different aspects of media production and analysis which are not centered on the idea of conventions. Budgeting methods pertain to financial planning in media projects, critiques relate to scholarly opinions on media works, and technical specifications deal with the technical requirements needed for production, none of which capture the essence of conventions as they relate to audience expectations and genre norms.