Definitions of Media Terminology

Hegemony:
This is when a specific group/entity has influence or power over a certain group of people.  For example the government has hegemony over their community. A hegemonic value that society has put forth is that the police are always right.


Ideology:
Ideology is simply an idea that is made and given by a certain type of media text. On television it could make something look worse than it is to gain more publicity and views. For example on a gossip-type news show they could have some news of a pregnancy and twist this to make it seem like the father could be anybody.


Representation:
This is the ability of something to show certain things and present them to a viewer in terms of media.  As much as reflections are given off by representation, constructions are also given out therefore a new reality is created in order to intrigue the audience/readers. For example a picture of a fire in one building being used to describe a bigger problem such as a city being rioted.


Stereotype:
Stereotypes are judgements put forth on certain people and are usually negative representations of people due to backgrounds, age, looks, sex or culture. For example a woman being over-emotional, Islamic people being terrorists and people who wear all black being goths. These stereotypes aren't necessarily true.