newspapers Chapter 4 – Representation & Ideology: How newspapers construct people, power, and political viewpoints.

What is Representation?

refers to how people, events or groups are portrayed in the media. Media does not
simply show reality It constructs a version of reality.

Journalists make choices about how events and people appear in news coverage

what do theese choices include ?

• which image is used

• which words appear in headlines

• which details are highlighted

• what is placed at the top of the page.

Representation is created through selection and emphasis

Two newspapers can cover the same event but produce very
different representations

what Representation is Constructed Through ?

• Selection

• Emphasis

• Language

• Image choice

• Layout

selection ?

Editors choose what to include and what to leave out. Both newspapers focus on the ‘Partygate’ story.

emhasisi ?

“Emphasis means deciding what is most important.”

Example:

• headline wording

• image size

• story placement

language ?

Language shapes interpretation.”

Example:

• dramatic vs restrained wording

images ?

Images influence how we feel about a person or event.”

Explain:

• facial expression

• framing

• context

Representation in The Daily Mirror key feautres ?

• headline “ZERO SHAME”

• dramatic layout

• dominant image of Boris Johnson

• emotive language

The Daily Mirror uses strong and emotive language.

ZERO SHAME’ is a clear moral judgement

This constructs Boris Johnson as someone who has acted without responsibility.

The dramatic layout and bold headline encourage a strong emotional reaction The representation is direct and critical

Representation in The Times key features ?

• headline “Police investigate PM’s four lockdown parties”

• restrained tone

• detailed reporting

• formal language

The Times presents the story differently

The word ‘investigate’ focuses on the process rather than making a judgement

This constructs the event as a serious issue being examined by authorities

The tone is more restrained and analytical.

The representation encourages reflection rather than emotional reaction

what is ideaology ?

oth newspapers report the same event.

But they construct different representations of that event.

Ideology can influence how events are presented.

Examples include views about:

• leadership

• government

• responsibility

• fairness.

Ideology refers to a set of beliefs or values about how society should work.

Media products often reflect ideological viewpoints.

Ideology is not always stated directly.

It can appear through tone, language and emphasis

applying ideaolgies to newspapers ? the daily mirror

The Mirror often positions itself as speaking on behalf of ordinary people.”

• strong language

• moral framing

• emotional tone

This style encourages readers to feel anger or frustration toward political leader

applying idealogy tot the times ?

The Times

The Times presents itself as serious and authoritative.

• formal language

• detailed reporting

• restrained tone

This encourages readers to interpret the story through careful consideration

Stuart Hall – Representation

Media producers encode meaning through language and images.

Audiences decode these meanings when interpreting media.

Journalists encode meaning through their choices.”

Examples:

• headline wording

• image selection

• layout

Audiences interpret these meanings based on their own beliefs and expectations