3.3: Message Purpose

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Another important consideration when clarifying a message task is to determine the ultimate purpose of the message. Messages fulfill seven functions:

they provide information about the availability of products and services: advertising and publicity
they entertain: special features, advertising
they inform: basic news, advertising, publicity
they provide a forum for ideas: editorials, interpretive stories, documentaries, commentaries
they educate: depth stories, self-help stories and columns, informative pieces, advertising with product features and characteristics
they serve as a watchdog on government: investigative pieces and straight coverage of trials and other public events
they persuade: advertising, publicity, editorials and commentaries (ftnt 2)

Communicators pay attention to these expectations as they seek information for messages. In order for a message to have audience appeal, it must meet the audience’s expectations in purpose and form. Analyzing the context for a message includes the task of clearly understanding the purpose of the message. All of the subsequent information-gathering steps are affected by this basic requirement.