It has been said that media representations often reflect the social and political concerns of the age in which they are created. Discuss.

Over time the television still perpetuates traditional gender stereotypes because it reflects dominant social values. Our society is still dominated by men which has resulted in men dominating most TV production and influencing these stereotypes, therefore reproducing a usual “masculine” view upon things. By the 1970s, women's roles were changing form the more traditional to a freer nature. Women’s roles were often shown on the television in roles such as housewives, mothers, secretaries and nurses. Men were portrayed in employment and tend to have a higher status and are less likely to be shown at home; this is still apparent today. In recent years there has at least been a notable increase in the number of women news presenters. It was argued that women were less likely to be taken seriously by viewers but however, their physical attractiveness can be a key factor to being shown on the television. In this recent time, homosexuals have become increasingly publicized in the media due to the awareness brought out by celebrities and the acceptance by the public. On the TV there has been a slightly increasing tendency to feature gay stereotypes, though they are rarely shown enjoying happy lives Stories about gays tend to reinforce conventional values. Even when gay men are portrayed the central focus tends to be on the reaction of others to this as a “problem”. The representation of homosexuals are slowly becoming accepted by society and are being shown more in the media.