Key Words
Technical Codes - layout, design, positioning, house style, font, size/quality of photographs, cropping choices, anchorage
Visual Codes - images, mise en scene, costume, colour palette, masthead
Genre - what type of newspaper it is, narrative, mode of address, headlines
House Style - a company's preferred manner of presentation and layout of written material
Main Image - Dominant picture, often filling much of the front cover
Masthead - Title of the newspaper displayed on the front page
Caption - Brief text underneath an image describing the photograph or graphic
Byline - Where the name of the reporter is included at the beginning of the article
Stand First - Block of text that introduces the story, normally in a different style to the body text and headline
Standalone - Picture story that can exist on its own or on a front page leading to a story inside
Splash - The main story
Cross-head - Subheadings that appear in the text of the article
Plug - Usually at top left and right hand corners of page displaying promotions, special offers or price of newspapers
Ideology - A system of ideas and ideal, especially one which forms the basis of economic or political theory and policy.
Discourse - Written or spoken communication or debate.
Ideological Discourse - Communication that upholds a particular ideology/set of ideologies. Discourse that serves to sustain or challenge social positions.
Dominant Ideology - Dominant ideologies are ideologies or beliefs that we live by in our day-to-day lives and often do not question - they have become 'natural, common sense' things to do. This effectively dissuades people from rebelling against these beliefs, and keeps a sense of stability in society. Dominant ideologies include beliefs about gender roles, about the economy, about social institutions.
Hegemony (Gramsci) - Leadership or dominance, especially by one state or social group over others. In media this can often be seen through the reinforcement of capitalist systems and Eurocentric values and perspectives.
Friday, September 27, 2019
Newspaper Assessment
To what extent do the elements of media language used in sources A and B convey different values, attitudes and beliefs about the world?
In your answer you must:
- Analyse the ways in which media language has been used in combination in sources A and B to convey values, attitudes and beliefs about the world.
- Refer to relevant contexts and academic ideas and arguments in your analysis and draw judgements and conclusions in relation to the question.
(15 marks)
Context:
Joined EU in 1973 to boost trade and economy
Voted to leave EU in 2016 (52%-48%)
D.R.I
Deconstruct media language of the text
Representations within the main story
How does all of this link to the papers Ideology (attitudes and beliefs)?
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Both sources convey values, attitudes and beliefs about Brexit. Britain joined the EU in 1973 in order to boost trade and the economy. In 2016, Britain then held a referendum in which the public voted to either leave the EU or to remain in the EU. The referendum ended with the majority vote of 52% to leave and 42% to remain. The 4% difference in votes has caused a huge controversy in Britain and this is shown through the media. Source A, The Daily Mail is a tabloid newspaper and is on the right wing. Source B, The Guardian is a broadsheet newspaper and supports Liberals and stands on the left of centre wing. The Daily Mail portrays the views of wanting to leave the EU, whereas, The Guardian portrays the views of remaining in the EU.
The Daily Mail uses a bold, capitalised headline. The word 'our' stands out the most because it portrays that Theresa May believes that we are all together in this situation and it suggests that we stand with her in this process, showing that we have a positive attitude towards her and Brexit, possibly portraying that the audience for this newspaper is the 52% of the public that voted to leave the EU. This suggests that Britain's beliefs are to stick together through challenging times and shows Britain's right wing views through the fact that all the readers are wanting to leave the EU. Also, 'hands off' portrays that Britain do not want anyone interfering with the election, saying it is 'ours', so suggests that Britain wants to be independent in this process and do not want the rest of Europe getting involved. Additionally, saying 'Mrs May' makes the article more formal, showing our respect for her as our Prime Minister. This article being formal stands out because tabloid newspapers are not known to speak formal as this isn't how the demographic of this newspaper generally speak. This type of language would usually be found in a broadsheet newspaper such as 'The Guardian' so the fact that this newspaper uses this formal language shows the publics strong admiration for her.
However, The Guardian's headline is the opposite. It conveys that Theresa May is alone in this election as it says 'May declares war'. This could also present that Britain's attitudes towards her are negative as it suggests that we are against her, showing that the readers of this newspaper are mostly the 48% who voted to remain in the EU as they do not want Brexit. The word 'war' is violent so shows her weak leadership and vicious ways. Additionally, this shows the fact that this is a liberal newspaper and that it includes left of centre views, due to the fact that it seems as though Theresa May is fighting for what she believes is best, even though the rest of Britain do not agree, showing that either the public or the newspaper do not support her.
Additionally, the photo used in The Daily Mail conveys the publics values, attitudes and beliefs about the world because it presents Theresa May looking passionate about what she is fighting for, which is Brexit, showing the newspapers right winged views to want to leave the EU. Also, the use of dark lighting connotes passion and bravery and the picture being an action shot of her with her mouth open suggests she is strong worded and will speak her mind to get what is best for Britain. This conveys that we feel positive towards her as we trust her to do what is best for Britain because we believe she is a strong, trustworthy leader. However, the fact that she is not making eye contact shows that she is talking to Brussels and not the reader, making the reader feel disconnected to her as we do not feel involved in the process. This could make Britain's attitude towards her more negative as it feels as though she isn't involving Britain and isn't allowing us to make decisions, she is just doing it all herself.
The Guardian's cover image is of Theresa May looking fierce directly into the camera and is a close up. This makes Theresa May seem as though she is a malicious person as it seems like she is against the reader and is trying to create tension and anger in the world as she 'declares war on Brussels', making us feel as though she isn't a professional leader as she is not trying to create peace, she is creating war in the world, making this controversy about Brexit even worse. This presents the newspapers left of centre views because the newspaper is trying to show her in a bad light to make us feel against her and to not want to support her in this process of leaving the EU as the readers of this newspaper do not want Brexit as they were the 48% who voted to remain. Presenting that The Guardians views on Brexit is extremely negative.
In conclusion, The Daily Mail and The Guardian have two different strong views about the process of Brexit. The Daily Mail is strongly for Brexit, which presents the strong right wing views. Whereas The Guardian is not so keen on Brexit, showing the newspapers left wing views. These attitudes are conveyed through the use of language in the headlines and the photos of Theresa May.
In your answer you must:
- Analyse the ways in which media language has been used in combination in sources A and B to convey values, attitudes and beliefs about the world.
- Refer to relevant contexts and academic ideas and arguments in your analysis and draw judgements and conclusions in relation to the question.
(15 marks)
Context:
Joined EU in 1973 to boost trade and economy
Voted to leave EU in 2016 (52%-48%)
D.R.I
Deconstruct media language of the text
Representations within the main story
How does all of this link to the papers Ideology (attitudes and beliefs)?
-
-
Both sources convey values, attitudes and beliefs about Brexit. Britain joined the EU in 1973 in order to boost trade and the economy. In 2016, Britain then held a referendum in which the public voted to either leave the EU or to remain in the EU. The referendum ended with the majority vote of 52% to leave and 42% to remain. The 4% difference in votes has caused a huge controversy in Britain and this is shown through the media. Source A, The Daily Mail is a tabloid newspaper and is on the right wing. Source B, The Guardian is a broadsheet newspaper and supports Liberals and stands on the left of centre wing. The Daily Mail portrays the views of wanting to leave the EU, whereas, The Guardian portrays the views of remaining in the EU.
The Daily Mail uses a bold, capitalised headline. The word 'our' stands out the most because it portrays that Theresa May believes that we are all together in this situation and it suggests that we stand with her in this process, showing that we have a positive attitude towards her and Brexit, possibly portraying that the audience for this newspaper is the 52% of the public that voted to leave the EU. This suggests that Britain's beliefs are to stick together through challenging times and shows Britain's right wing views through the fact that all the readers are wanting to leave the EU. Also, 'hands off' portrays that Britain do not want anyone interfering with the election, saying it is 'ours', so suggests that Britain wants to be independent in this process and do not want the rest of Europe getting involved. Additionally, saying 'Mrs May' makes the article more formal, showing our respect for her as our Prime Minister. This article being formal stands out because tabloid newspapers are not known to speak formal as this isn't how the demographic of this newspaper generally speak. This type of language would usually be found in a broadsheet newspaper such as 'The Guardian' so the fact that this newspaper uses this formal language shows the publics strong admiration for her.
However, The Guardian's headline is the opposite. It conveys that Theresa May is alone in this election as it says 'May declares war'. This could also present that Britain's attitudes towards her are negative as it suggests that we are against her, showing that the readers of this newspaper are mostly the 48% who voted to remain in the EU as they do not want Brexit. The word 'war' is violent so shows her weak leadership and vicious ways. Additionally, this shows the fact that this is a liberal newspaper and that it includes left of centre views, due to the fact that it seems as though Theresa May is fighting for what she believes is best, even though the rest of Britain do not agree, showing that either the public or the newspaper do not support her.
Additionally, the photo used in The Daily Mail conveys the publics values, attitudes and beliefs about the world because it presents Theresa May looking passionate about what she is fighting for, which is Brexit, showing the newspapers right winged views to want to leave the EU. Also, the use of dark lighting connotes passion and bravery and the picture being an action shot of her with her mouth open suggests she is strong worded and will speak her mind to get what is best for Britain. This conveys that we feel positive towards her as we trust her to do what is best for Britain because we believe she is a strong, trustworthy leader. However, the fact that she is not making eye contact shows that she is talking to Brussels and not the reader, making the reader feel disconnected to her as we do not feel involved in the process. This could make Britain's attitude towards her more negative as it feels as though she isn't involving Britain and isn't allowing us to make decisions, she is just doing it all herself.
The Guardian's cover image is of Theresa May looking fierce directly into the camera and is a close up. This makes Theresa May seem as though she is a malicious person as it seems like she is against the reader and is trying to create tension and anger in the world as she 'declares war on Brussels', making us feel as though she isn't a professional leader as she is not trying to create peace, she is creating war in the world, making this controversy about Brexit even worse. This presents the newspapers left of centre views because the newspaper is trying to show her in a bad light to make us feel against her and to not want to support her in this process of leaving the EU as the readers of this newspaper do not want Brexit as they were the 48% who voted to remain. Presenting that The Guardians views on Brexit is extremely negative.
In conclusion, The Daily Mail and The Guardian have two different strong views about the process of Brexit. The Daily Mail is strongly for Brexit, which presents the strong right wing views. Whereas The Guardian is not so keen on Brexit, showing the newspapers left wing views. These attitudes are conveyed through the use of language in the headlines and the photos of Theresa May.
Political Positions of Newspapers
Political Positions of Newspapers
Socialist/Left Wing -
Rights for workers and minorities are key.
Believe the rich benefit from exploiting the poor and that this system should end. Pro Revolution.
Liberal/Left of Centre -
Pretty middle of the road. Tend to offer the most unbiased, objective perspective.
Believe it is important to represent people from all minority groups and countries.
The Centre
Conservative/ Right of Centre -
Uphold traditional values about Britishness, class, gender etc.: anti-Labour and Lib Dems. Don't like Britain being part of EU. Wary of immigration. Pro Capitalist.
Nationalist/ Right Wing -
Incredibly patriotic. Dislike change - highly supportive of traditional values: anti same sex marriage, heavily opposed to immigration. Believe Britain should be Britain for (White) British people.
Morning Star
The Independent
The Guardian
Daily Mirror
The Times
Daily Telegraph
Daily Express
Daily Star
The Sun
Daily Mail
Socialist/Left Wing -
Rights for workers and minorities are key.
Believe the rich benefit from exploiting the poor and that this system should end. Pro Revolution.
Liberal/Left of Centre -
Pretty middle of the road. Tend to offer the most unbiased, objective perspective.
Believe it is important to represent people from all minority groups and countries.
The Centre
Conservative/ Right of Centre -
Uphold traditional values about Britishness, class, gender etc.: anti-Labour and Lib Dems. Don't like Britain being part of EU. Wary of immigration. Pro Capitalist.
Nationalist/ Right Wing -
Incredibly patriotic. Dislike change - highly supportive of traditional values: anti same sex marriage, heavily opposed to immigration. Believe Britain should be Britain for (White) British people.
Morning Star
The Independent
The Guardian
Daily Mirror
The Times
Daily Telegraph
Daily Express
Daily Star
The Sun
Daily Mail
Representation
Representation
Representation is the way the media is constructed to show aspects of news. E.g. issues, individuals.
Representation takes many forms.
Representations may look realistic, but they are just a construction.
Representation and Reception Theory: Stuart Hall
Dominant Reading - The hegemonic response, people share the code and preferred meaning.
Negotiated Reading - They accept what the text is saying and adapt it according to their social background.
Oppositional Reading - They understand, but reject the message.
Selection - News Values, Target Audience
Omission - Bias, Agenda, Audience
Construction - Bias, Ideology, Audience
Newspapers and reporters are supposed to provide their readers with:
Objective Information - This means it should be free from prejudice caused by personal feelings.
Unbiased - Represent people, events and ideas fairly.
Reliable Information - From trusted sources.
Although the newspaper presents itself as an objective (non biased) form of media, like any other media text it has its own agenda.
Fiske (1987) called this 'The Transparency Fallacy' as the news is not objective or 'transparent'.
Representation is the way the media is constructed to show aspects of news. E.g. issues, individuals.
Representation takes many forms.
Representations may look realistic, but they are just a construction.
Representation and Reception Theory: Stuart Hall
Dominant Reading - The hegemonic response, people share the code and preferred meaning.
Negotiated Reading - They accept what the text is saying and adapt it according to their social background.
Oppositional Reading - They understand, but reject the message.
Selection - News Values, Target Audience
Omission - Bias, Agenda, Audience
Construction - Bias, Ideology, Audience
Newspapers and reporters are supposed to provide their readers with:
Objective Information - This means it should be free from prejudice caused by personal feelings.
Unbiased - Represent people, events and ideas fairly.
Reliable Information - From trusted sources.
Although the newspaper presents itself as an objective (non biased) form of media, like any other media text it has its own agenda.
Fiske (1987) called this 'The Transparency Fallacy' as the news is not objective or 'transparent'.
Semiotics
Semiotics
The study of signs, how meaning is constructed through language and codes.
Roland Barthes argued that:
All elements of a media text are codes (signs) that need to be read.
These can all be understood as the thing they are (denotative level) and the responses they create (connotative level).
sign = signifier < denotation, connotation
Signs are polysemic - multiple meanings
Semiotic analysis of ad:
Text 'Fight Cancer' - The font looks very powerful so encourages people to get involved.
Women - Men are usually the powerful, dominant people, so having a women on the poster shows that anyone can do it and so will encourage more women to get involved.
Strong black-white contrast - The white around the sword shows a light of hope.
Sword - The sword makes the poster look empowering as people feel power when they are holding a sword, so it empowers people to get involved.
Snakes attached to sword - Snakes are a symbol of medicine.
Picture style as totalitarian propaganda - This style suggests that everyone needs to get involved as it is such a big problem.
The study of signs, how meaning is constructed through language and codes.
Roland Barthes argued that:
All elements of a media text are codes (signs) that need to be read.
These can all be understood as the thing they are (denotative level) and the responses they create (connotative level).
sign = signifier < denotation, connotation
Signs are polysemic - multiple meanings
Semiotic analysis of ad:
Text 'Fight Cancer' - The font looks very powerful so encourages people to get involved.
Women - Men are usually the powerful, dominant people, so having a women on the poster shows that anyone can do it and so will encourage more women to get involved.
Strong black-white contrast - The white around the sword shows a light of hope.
Sword - The sword makes the poster look empowering as people feel power when they are holding a sword, so it empowers people to get involved.
Snakes attached to sword - Snakes are a symbol of medicine.
Picture style as totalitarian propaganda - This style suggests that everyone needs to get involved as it is such a big problem.
History of Newspapers
History of Newspapers
History of The Daily Mirror
The Daily Mirror was founded in 1903 by Alfred Harmsworth.
History of The Daily Mirror
The Daily Mirror was founded in 1903 by Alfred Harmsworth.
In 1917, one copy cost 1p.
Originally pitched to the middle class reader, it was transformed into a working class newspaper after 1934, in order to reach a large, lowbrow audience.
Was the best selling daily tabloid in 1960.
1978 The Sun overtook The Mirror in circulation.
In 2002, The Mirror masthead changed from red to black in order to move to mid-market.
Gave financial support to the 2003 anti war protest.
History of The Daily Telegraph
Founded by Arthur B.Sleigh in 1855 as The Daily Telegraph and Courier.
Founded by Arthur B.Sleigh in 1855 as The Daily Telegraph and Courier.
During the Second World War, The Daily Telegraph covertly helped in the recruitment of code-breakers with their crossword as a test.
1.4 million readers in 1980.
Electronic Telegraph launched in 2004.
Purchased by the Barclay Brothers for £665 million in 2004.
460,000 readers in December 2016, it is still the largest circulation for a broadsheet in the UK.
Newspaper front pages fulfil several different functions.
They must:
They must:
Attract readers.
Reinforce the newspaper's identity through easily recognisable style and features.
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