EXAMPLES OF SOAP OPERA’S TARGETED AT TEENAGERS Rebecca Stanley

E20 – EASTENDERS SPIN OFF E20 is a  British Internet soap opera which began airing on 8 January 2010, it was shown as a spin-off from the established BBC soap Eastenders. Each series follows a group of teenage characters in their normal day lives focusing on sensitive problems teenagers are faced with. The episodes are between three and 16 minutes each in length and are available via EastEnders' official website. Omnibus editions were also available on BBC iPlayer, BBC Red Button and, from April 2010, BBC Three.

E20E20 is an example of how media institutions are using the internet to target the teenage generation. As the soap is entirely set online and is not aired on TV, or you can view it digitally on BBC iPlayer or through the Red Button option upon the remote control.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00k0b4b/episodes/guide

The link above, is the webpage containing all the episodes of the current E20 series.

HOLLYOAKS

Hollyoaks also gives its fans a ‘First Look’ of the next episode which is aired on Channel 4's digital sister station E4, E4 also has a primary audience of teenage fans so by airing a first look preview on their station Hollyoaks are doubling their marketisation to their fan base.

Hollyoaks is a long-running British television soap opera, televised on channel 4 (mon-fri at 6pm) The programme is set in a fictional suburb of Chester called Hollyoaks, and features a large cast of characters primarily aged between 16 and 35. By the 2000s, Hollyoaks had developed a substantial fan base and was seen as a vibrant, modern and young person's soap. This forms the basis of a cast aimed at a teenage audience.

HOLLYOAKSThe audience for Hollyoaks are able to view the episodes digitally on their on demand website, also through hash tagging through Twitter and posting on their Facebook wall. Through Hollyoaks having such a wide variety in social media and online sites they are able to target their desired audience of teenagers and then use this audience as a basis for their cast and storylines. www.channel4.com/programmes/hollyoaks/4o

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HOLLYOAKS LATERHollyoaks Later (originally called Late Night Hollyoaks) is a British television spin-off of the Channel 4 television series Hollyoaks. The series returns every September and takes place over five consecutive nights on E4. As the title suggests, the late night series allows for more controversial content, edgier storylines and stronger language.

Hollyoaks Later is aimed at a more sophisticated audience as it deals with hard hitting storylines including the use of; violence, drugs, alcohol and sex as the director of the programme quotes by creating Hollyoaks Later it took "the drama to another level and be more daring with adult storylines, whilst also keeping the fun playfulness that Hollyoaks fans love”.

HOLLYOAKS LATERHollyoaks Later is primarily aimed at a more sophisticated audience usually 16+ as it is broadcasted at a later time of 10 o’clock, as this is after the watershed of 9 o’clock it suggests that some of the content involved is unsuitable for under 16’s in comparison to the channel 4 broadcasted show in which is aimed at teenagers but has content in which is suitable for all with parental guidance. Hollyoaks later also uses social media websites to promote and advertise to a younger more technically advanced generation. http://www.e4.com/hollyoaks/later/2011/