Newsletter and Research for Media Makers in Entertainment
In the ever-evolving landscape of entertainment, understanding audience preferences is crucial for storytellers. The "Setting the Scene" newsletter and the accompanying market research commissioned by New America provide invaluable insights into what viewers want to see on screen, particularly regarding themes of gender, work, family, and care. This article delves into the resources available for media makers, highlighting the importance of evidence-based storytelling.
The "Setting the Scene" Newsletter
The "Setting the Scene" newsletter serves as a vital resource for media creators, applying the latest news, research, and data to storytelling. Each issue focuses on relevant themes, offering insights that can shape narratives in meaningful ways. For instance, the May 12, 2025, issue honors the representation of parents on screen, coinciding with Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. It also includes a recap of a panel co-designed by New America, showcasing the collaborative effort to address these important topics.
Back Issues and Themes
The newsletter has covered a variety of themes since its inception. The first issue, released on October 3, 2023, tackled critical topics such as paid leave, child care, and the rights of pregnant workers. Subsequent issues have explored the intersection of work-family dynamics with abortion and pregnancy storytelling, the importance of gratitude in gender representation, and the nuances of place-based storytelling.
For example, the March 14, 2024, issue revealed that 84% of streaming audiences desire more realistic depictions of work, family, and care stories. This finding underscores the growing demand for narratives that resonate with viewers’ lived experiences, emphasizing the need for media makers to align their storytelling with audience expectations.
MarketCast Values in Entertainment Study
Complementing the newsletter is the MarketCast Values in Entertainment Study, which provides a deeper dive into audience preferences. This research indicates that a significant 84% of U.S. streaming viewers are eager to see more realistic portrayals of work, family, and care situations on television. Notably, 60% of respondents expressed interest in gender representation that integrates work and family lives, highlighting the importance of supportive environments for caregivers and parents.
Audience Insights
The study reveals that younger generations, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, along with parents, are especially keen on seeing authentic and aspirational depictions of work-family dynamics. This demographic shift suggests that media makers should consider these preferences when developing new content, as they represent a substantial portion of the viewing audience.
The Role of Media in Shaping Narratives
The insights from both the newsletter and the MarketCast study emphasize the role of media in shaping societal narratives around work, family, and care. As highlighted in a feature by Variety, the research aims to catalyze policy and cultural changes in the U.S. By advocating for greater access to paid family and medical leave, affordable child care, and pay equity, the findings challenge the prevailing narratives that often overlook systemic barriers faced by families.
Cultural Narratives and Policy Advocacy
The Variety article underscores the need for a shift in cultural narratives that often promote individualism over collective support. The research indicates that many families struggle with work-family challenges, and addressing these issues requires systemic solutions rather than individual initiatives. This perspective is crucial for media makers, as it encourages them to create stories that reflect the complexities of modern family life and advocate for necessary policy changes.
Resources for Storytellers
For media makers looking to enhance their storytelling with evidence-based insights, several resources are available:
- Setting the Scene Newsletter: Subscribe to stay updated on the latest issues and insights.
- MarketCast Values in Entertainment Study: Access the full report to understand audience preferences in greater detail.
- Variety Write-Up: Read the article that discusses the implications of the research and its potential impact on policy and culture.
By leveraging these resources, storytellers can create narratives that resonate with audiences, reflect their realities, and contribute to meaningful conversations about work, family, and care in contemporary society.
