In this project you will create a commodity flow analysis as described in the article by McAllister and Giglio. Choose a 30-minute TV program that is advertising supported (Major network or cable broadcast, or advertising supported streaming). Then, using the Commodity Flow Chart, catalog EVERY promotion you see or hear while watching the program. Promotions could include product placement, advertisements, and even discussion between characters. Then, write a short 600-word (about two pages) reflection on your commodity flow. What patterns did you notice? Who owns the intellectual property, brands, or products? Are there partnerships between those companies? If they avoided using brands, why might that be? What do you think the relationship between the promotional messages and the content of the show is? Why does it matter? You do not have to answer all of the above questions, but use them as a guide to write your reflection.
MAC209-CommodityFlowAnalysis.pdf
Be sure to list the show, episode name, and air date. Your commodity flow chart should include company name, brands, products, and types of promotion. You may fill this out by hand or on your computer. If you fill it out by hand, please take a good photo/scan and include it in your .doc or .pdf. Examples will be given in class.
Your commodity flow will be graded on the scope, clarity, and accuracy of the information. Your reflection will be graded on your the originality of your reflection and the evidence you use to support your ideas. You will also be graded on your expression of critical and analytical ideas. (Drawing upon our prior readings is a good idea.) You will also be graded on overall clarity, organization, and grammar of your writing. CommodityFlowAnalysis-Example1.docx
