(NEED TO REDO) Saville whistlestop newspaper set texts

What two newspapers are the set texts?

The Mirror (‘ZERO SHAME’)

The Times (‘release of gray report’)

What topic do both newspapers focus on?

Partygate - when the gray report revealed that the Conservative Party had been having secret parties during lockdown despite telling the country not to do so.

The key individual criticised was Boris Johnson.

Both articles came out on the same day - Feb 1 2022

What should you talk about in the exam regarding these articles?

Representation.

And how this links to their political stance.

The mirror: what are the features of the mirror newspaper?

Tabloid

Labour

Aimed towards the working-class, less educated audience

Softer news

Lots of images

Costs 90p.

Picture of article front cover

How does the masthead appeal to an audience?

Signature red top logo - iconography.

This clearly signifies to the reader that they’re reading the mirror, aswell as the colour red representing their left-wing political stance.

David Hesmondhagh ‘minimum risk, maximum profit’ fits well here.

What’s the only use of serif font on the cover?

In the subheading ‘GRAY REPORT FALLOUT’.

The serif font signifies the most serious detail of the newspaper.

What is the significance of the colour, tone and typography in the title?

Colour - yellow is used to highlight significant number details that portray Johnson negatively

Tone - very critical of boris, emotive and angry tone

Typography - ‘ZERO SHAME’ is all in capitals to show anger.

How are Johnson and Starmer represented in the images?

Binary opposites (Levi-Strauss).

Boris - smug facial expression, worried stare, messy hair (childish)

Starmer - active and thoughtful leader, neat hair (mature), upright posture, looks to be speaking confidently

What does the top right of the newspaper - ‘Tears for the King’, and images of the Queen and her father - represent?

It represents a sense of patriotism.

This is because the mirror is aimed at a broad audience - most English people loved the Queen.

But this goes against the views of the Labour Party - who have a disliking to the royal family.

The Times: what are the features of the times newspaper?

Broadsheet

Lots of writing, less images

Leans right (but Murdoch says it’s balanced)

Aimed at intellectual, older audience

Sophisticated

Costs £2.20

Picture of article front cover

How does the masthead appeal to an audience?

The serif font and coat of arms logo connote sophistication and high-class.

The bold font connotes importance

What is the tone of the article?

More matter of fact, less critical of the Conservative Party.

This is because the newspaper leans right.

What is the main (and only) picture on the front cover?

A close up of Johnson’s face - sheepish.

This image is anchored to give it meaning.

What is the significance of the ‘How to be fit’ box?

This is a sky box.

The yellow font is used to draw attention.

It shows that it offers information outside of politics.