Media products are governed by particular codes and conventions that are established ... they are the associated 'rules' by which a media form is structured, created or understood. The audience expects these codes and conventions to appear consistently within particular media forms.Heinemann Media (2nd edition)
Technical, written and symbolic tools used to construct or suggest meaning in media forms and products. Media codes include the use of camera, acting, setting, mise en scene, editing, lighting, sound, special effects, typography, colour, visual composition, text and graphics. VCAA VCE Media Study Design page 10.