What is the difference between encoding and decoding in audience reception theory?

What is the difference between encoding and decoding in audience reception theory?

• A. Encoding is the audience's interpretation; decoding is the producer's intended message.
• B. Encoding and decoding are the same process.
• C. Encoding is the producer's intended message; decoding is how audiences interpret it, which can align with, resist, or reinterpret the intended meaning.
• D. Encoding is about data compression.

Answer: (C)