2025 - PRACTICE
SOURCE A: MIRROR COVER:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GRrGdi6bMAA5Rxk.jpg:large
SOURCE B: EXPRESS ARTICLE
https://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/1919279/general-election-keir-starmer-labour-landslide
TITLE
How far have media conventions been used to construct viewpoints and ideologies in Sources A and B?
In your answer you must:
- outline the different conventions of the front pages of tabloid newspapers and online broadsheets, including use and style of headlines and images
- analyse the contrasting use of symbolic, technical and written conventions in the sources
- make judgements and reach conclusions on the way in which media conventions construct viewpoints on ideologies.
IMAGE AND ANCHORING TEXT - SOURCE A - PARAGRAPH FORMAT
1st – Establish the conventions that are being
used/challenged
A convention of tabloid newspapers is the selection of highly
emotive/sensational images that reinforce the ideological position of the
newspaper while also helping to reinforce the storefront nature of the front
page by accompanying a variety of different stories.
2nd – Describe the Source with relation to the conventions
– Does it use them? Or break them?
The use of image in source A, challenges one convention by
entirely dominating the page, as the paper feature only a splash with no off
lead or teasers.
3rd – Explain how this is related to the
construction of viewpoints and ideologies.
This is done to construct the viewpoint that the general
election is such an important event that it should and does dominate the national
narrative to the exclusion of all other stories.
4th – Repeat 2nd with a different
detail – If it breaks one does it use another? Can you say something about the
anchoring text?
However, the selected image is conventional in the sense
that it is emotive and reflects the political bias of the newspaper. The layering
effect around Starmer’s head, the unity of the pose (holding hands) and bright
red dress as a dominant colour on the page, combine to encode the idea of triumph,
of possibility and of forward movement.
5th – Repeat 3rd – If you previously stressed
viewpoint try to point out ideology and vice versa.
Tabloid newspapers and online broadsheets use contrasting media conventions to present news and shape viewpoints. Tabloids typically feature bold, sensationalist headlines in large fonts designed to grab attention and evoke emotion. Their front pages often include dramatic or provocative images, focusing on individuals or events in a highly visual and simplified manner. The language is usually informal and emotive, aimed at a broad audience. In contrast, online broadsheets use more restrained, formal headlines that prioritise clarity and credibility over impact. Their images are often smaller and more context-driven, supporting the accompanying article rather than dominating the layout. Broadsheets tend to use neutral language and complex sentence structures, appealing to readers seeking in-depth analysis. These conventions influence the audience’s interpretation of events, with tabloids usually encouraging more emotional, often judgmental responses, while broadsheets usually promote more critical and informed viewpoints.
ReplyDeleteTabloid newspapers and online broadsheets hold different conventions to appeal to its audience and present news. While Tabloid newspapers usually have a large, short and punchy headline to sell the newspaper, online broadsheets usually have longer headlines as their audience has already found their way to the newspaper. The tabloid headlines are usually informal, often featuring puns and colloquialisms, whereas broadsheets often use more formal language to maintain credibility. Online broadsheets typically use polysemic, contextual images as to not influence the beliefs of the readers, whereas tabloid newspapers use images that reinforce already held ideological positions, this is also shown in the way the headlines are written, as tabloid newspapers are often more sensationalist whereas online broadsheets are more factual. The front page of a newspaper acts as a storefront, so the tabloids large headline font makes it easier to spot from a distance.
ReplyDeleteI think this is the better of the first two because it is very direct, very clear in terms of its use of technical features and manages to more directly answer the question. I would be expecting this to achieve 10/10.
Deletei think this one is better because it is straight to the point and i like the point about the front page being a storefront.
DeleteBest one. The very best one. A****** 100/5
DeleteI like this ; it's well structured, comparative and easy to follow. There is relevant detail and knowledge of tabloid newspapers and online broadsheets.
DeleteTabloid newspapers and online broadsheets differ in their use of front page conventions, with both papers creating to appeal to their target audiences. Tabloid newspapers, such as The Mirror, tend to use dramatic, humorous and sensationalised headlines which often feature puns and informal dialect to elicit an emotive response from their readers. These headlines tend to be large, dramatic, bold and short, accompanied by clusters of images or one image that dominates the page. The content often follows the “if it bleeds it leads” quote by journalists, with news articles featuring crime and scandal. Meanwhile, online broadsheets, like The Express, features professional and relevant articles with formally toned headlines. The images used by these online broadsheets often feature informative context such as data or locations to support the articles.
ReplyDeleteTabloid newspapers and online newspapers use different conventions to present news and frame the status quo. Tabloids rely on big, bold headlines with casual, emotive language often including puns or slang to grab attention. Their front pages feature bold, sometimes exaggerated images that convey clear ideological positions and evoke emotional states. In contrast, online newspapers typically use longer, more formal headlines and essentially neutral language to ensure credibility. Their images are more restrained and contextual, supporting the article rather than dominating it. Because broadsheet readers actively seek out content, these platforms do not need to use sensationalism to attract interest. The broadsheet approach ensures critical, informed engagement, while tabloids focus on immediate impact. Design choices also reflect their function: tabloids use large fonts and dramatic layouts to stand out in print, while broadsheets prioritize clarity and interest for online readers. These stylistic differences affect how audiences interpret and respond to news.
ReplyDeleteMedia conventions have been used to construct viewpoints and ideologies in sources a and b. tabloid newspapers typically use sensationalist language, bold headlines and emotive imagery to appeal to a mass audience. This is clear in the mirror frontpage (Friday 5th July) during the 2024 election. In this front cover we can see a bold headline, which is empowering and uses a pun, and a good photo of keir starmer and his wife looking victorious, telling us that they are proud of the election results. Whereas, broadsheets tend to present stories with more formality and a focus on political social or economic analysis. This is seen in source two (the express article) with a low angle image of Keir starmer presenting him as a tyrant, followed by a heavier political explanation of the election. Overall, both sources use media conventions to construct very different viewpoints of the same event. Source a draws on a simplified narrative to provoke reaction whereas source b uses formal language to promote critical thinking and political engagement. Therefore, media conventions have been used in both sources but to construct opposing ideological frameworks.
ReplyDeleteMedia conventions have been used following the typical structure of a tabloid online newspaper, firstly they often use one large image with one main story on the front and often celebrities or well known figures are shown relevant to todays news. The headline is usually short yet punchy which is a standard tabloid convention. The colours are bold and structured and related to the theme of the article. However on an online broadsheet the layout is clean and minimalistic with a longer headline heavily contrasting with the tabloid covers shorter pun. There's little exaggeration with the story being surrounded by many other advertisements. These contrasting approaches reflect the different media ideologies from the two sources. Tabloid covers, following a typical tabloid style, using bold visuals, engaging imagery, and sometimes a pun-driven headline to create different presentation to the online broadsheet. In contrast online broadsheets follow a different style, with a longer, more critical headline and minimal visual emphasis, which suggests a contrasting ideology to the tabloid. This shows how media producers shape public perception not just through content, but through carefully chosen conventions that reflect their political leanings, intended audience, and goals.
ReplyDeleteTabloid and online newspapers use different conventions to present news and its public perception. Tabloids use bold, punchy headlines with emotive, informal language often using puns or slang to grab immediate attention. Their front pages feature large fonts and striking, sometimes exaggerated images that reinforce clear ideological views and provoke emotional responses. In contrast, online broadsheets use longer, more formal headlines and more neutral language to maintain credibility. Their images are contextual and, supporting the article without overwhelming it. While tabloids aim for instant impact to boost sales, broadsheets assume their audience is already engaged, allowing for a more factual, less sensationalist approach.
ReplyDeleteCodes and conventions of a tabloid newspapers are very clear and consistent to grab the attention of a mass audience. They consist of bold colours, dramatic headlines with colloquial (including puns) sensational and emotionally loaded language to create an immediate reaction for the reader. Headlines are usually short and punchy, placed over the top of the image to emphasise its meaning. The main image dominates the page. The images can be specifically selected to be eye-catching or intrusive. The language is informal and aimed at a large audience. Online broadsheets use more formal and specific headlines, they’re longer and may have multiple clauses for detailed context. They avoid exaggerative language and are more informative than emotional. The images are contextual and illustrate complex issues to support the article. They also use neutral language ensuring that they are polysemic. These conventions influence audience’s interpretation of events with tabloids being judgemental/informal and broadsheets being critical with promoted viewpoints.
ReplyDeleteTabloid newspapers and online broadsheets use different front page conventions to appeal to their target audiences and shape viewpoints. Tabloids like The Mirror rely on bold, dramatic headlines—often featuring puns, slang, or emotive language—to grab attention and evoke strong reactions. Their front pages are visually striking, with dominant or clustered images and minimal text, reflecting a focus on scandal, drama, or political outrage. This aligns with the “if it bleeds, it leads” mindset. In contrast, online broadsheets like The Express use more formal, informative headlines and restrained imagery that adds context rather than dominates. Their language is typically neutral and analytical, reflecting an emphasis on credibility and informed engagement. While tabloids aim for immediate emotional impact, broadsheets cater to readers seeking depth and context. These stylistic differences not only reflect audience expectations but also influence how news is framed and ideologies are reinforced.
ReplyDeleteA convention of broadsheet newspapers is the formal approach on political social or economic analysis. This reinforces the ideological position of the express as a right-wing Conservative paper. The image in source b presents Keir Starmer as a tyrant, with a low angle mid shot of him looking past the camera as if ignoring the audience. This represents how the express feel about Keir starmer and the labour party being in control, they believe that the people are being ignored. Furthermore, it has been chosen in order to show his power and how the express believe he will use it ineffectively. The image dominates the front of the website, and is accompanied by anchoring text which says ‘sir Keir starmer might not have an easy ride when he gets he keys to number 10’, this infers that the Labour party has many uncomfortable problems that they have to issue immediately in order to gain the peoples favour. The ideology of the express is supportive of the Conservative party, therefore the negative messaging around Keir starmers victory is keeping with the political positioning of the paper.
ReplyDeletetask two
DeleteTask 2:
ReplyDeleteA convention of online broadsheet newspapers is the selection of image, that will force more emotions, and force ideological position of the newspaper.
The use of image in source B, challenges one convention by using polysemic picture and using ancoring text, which doesn't describe photo
This is done to construct meaning for audience by themselves, based on their experience.
This way picture can convey two ideological positions. This image can be decoded as showing Starmer as a dilettante who has rolled up his sleeves, for people who agree with the position of the newspaper. On the other hand, the photo may show that Starmer is ready to work immediately after the election. However, the newspaper uses text that does not match the photograph, which affects the vision of Starmer as a good prime minister.
The daily express is ideologically right wing and supports Conservative party. The negative messaging in this photograph can be decoded as Starmer towering over others and not doing his job properly, which fits with the ideological stance of the newspaper, which is committed to criticising the Liberal Party
Task 2:
ReplyDeleteA convention of online broadsheets is the selection of factual, polysemic images that reinforce the ideological position of the reader and display the less emotive tone of the newspaper. The use of image in source B, challenges one convention by having a low angle, midshot with Starmer looking past the camera. This is done to construct the viewpoint that the Starmer does not care about the people who look up to him, and the use of proxemics shows that he has power over them. However, the selected image is conventional in the sense that it is polysemic as multiple interpretations can be taken from it depending on your political viewpoint. The candid image shows Starmer in the middle of a speech and has been specifically selected to have this intended effect. The Daily Express is ideologically right wing and does not support the Labour party. The polysemic messaging of Labour’s win reflects the ideological position of the newspaper and its middle-class audience
Online Broadsheet articles often follow a formal and informative path, featuring contextualised images that typically include data, graphs or information about an event. In Source B, The Express follows the typical convention that the headline and article text is more dominating than the image, potentially appealing to its middle-class audience who have specifically searched or clicked on this post to read the article. The image, taken from a below eyesight angle, features Keir Starmer giving his speech after Labour won the election. This specific angle not only conveys a sense of “below-ness” and inequality, but the way in which Starmer is looking away from the camera and into the distance suggests how he doesn’t even address us. This interpretation would be specifically fitting for this middle-class, right-winged audience as this would imply that he doesn’t care about us as the public and believes highly of himself. His smugness, suggested in the title, is reflected through his relaxed clothing and appearance, breaking the traditional sense of professionalism of online broadsheets, which reflects the papers right wing political ideology and lack of support for labour.
ReplyDeleteA convention of broadsheet newspaper is that they tend to use a single, formal image that relates to the story. They use different camera angles to present their hidden message rather than the nature of the image itself. This approach is more subtle than that of tabloids, hiding their own messages and narratives behind a false wall of professionalism and integrity. They focus mainly on one story as this keeps the focus within the parameters of the main story, thus creating a barrage of information, without any breaks in focus. The Express’s use of the image at the top of their article is important as it is not only the first thing you see but also the mainstay of the page. The mid, low angle of the shot creates a false air of smugness, the idea that the article is trying to push. This helps to ensure the viewers align with the political ideology of the publication as they see both image and text telling parallel stories. This is a conventional approach to broadsheet publication as it manages to balance the critique of power with detailed professionalism and more subtle bias.
ReplyDeleteA convention of an online broadsheet newspaper is using images that try and convey emotion. The photo used shows Kier Starmer in a low mid angle shot which may show him as a towering figure, looking down at us. The use of the anchoring text in the source breaks the convention that the anchoring text provides factual descriptions, as the text reads ‘Sir Keir Starmer may not have an easy ride when he gets the keys to number 10’. This has no relevance to the image shown, as it doesn’t give any context as to where or why he was where he was. The political viewpoint of the daily express is right wing and does not support the labour party. This is shown as Kier Starmer is shown as a tyrant looking down
ReplyDeleteHomework:
ReplyDeleteTraditionally, Tabloid Newspapers, such as The Daily Mirror, feature headlines with emotive, short and punchy titles to catch the attention of the audience and engage readers with the article at first glance, typically featuring puns, informal and sensationalised dialect, and capitalised and bold fonts. Source A, “KEIR WE GO”, conforms to all the mentioned conventions, using a football pun which not only stereotypically appeals to working class people but also elicits emotion from the readers by implying the victory of Labour and Keir Starmer as the prime minister is a win for the UK, supporting the political stance of the left-wing orientated paper while providing entertainment for the working-class readers. The use of this short and emotive pun as the headline expresses how the paper understands and interprets the views of their left-wing, working-class audience while implying how the paper values audience entertainment. Furthermore, this article dominates the page completely, forming narrative that “we” as a country have won with Labour in parliament. The Daily Mirror has successfully constructed the conventions of a Tabloid article to appeal to the working-class readership while demonstrating its Left-Wing ideology by supporting the labour party.
On the other hand, Broadsheet Online articles often feature long, multiclausal and informative headlines with formal and professional register while avoiding exaggerated or emotional language. Source B embodies the conventions of an Online Broadsheet article using a factual headline, indicating that it will give “5 reasons why Keir Starmer shouldn't be so smug about Labour's win”, which suggests information will be provided but also implicates that the paper is not in support of labours win of the general election. This demonstrates the papers stereotypical right-wing leaning ideology as represented through the lack of enthusiasm for the labour party and Keir Starmer. Despite the Broadsheet Article’s use of an informative headline, the dialect itself appears very informal, challenging the formal conventions of what is expected of a broadsheet paper. The word “Shouldn’t” and “Smug” in the headline, along with the use of Starmer’s first name in the caption is casual and informal which implies the lack of support and respect towards Keir Starmer which further constructs The Express’ nationalist and conservatist right-wing ideology. This article from The Express elucidates the factual conventions expected of a Broadsheet Online but further challenges the conventions of formality to demonstrate disrespect towards the labour party and the Prime Minister, Kier Starmer.
Task 3
ReplyDeleteOne of conventions of printed tabloid newspapers are large, bold headlines with dramatic, emotionally loaded wordings, double and funny meaning. This is made to take over the attention of readers and make them to remember headline of the newspaper.
The headline on source A is using those conventions by making a “KEIR WE GO” headline. This is done to make a punchy saying using a football shouting to appeal to middle class workers, who are usual a football fans. This encodes connection of the readers and to make them to cheer up for a new elected Prime Minister.
This Headline is using short and humours saying to connect people to the same as newspaper, labour party. By using “KEIR WE GO” and subhead line “Starmer and Labour in thumping landslide victory” The Daily Mirror encoding idea about celebrating victory of Labour party and making it together by saying “WE”. Newspaper using common codes and conventions to aligns itself with readers in this situation.
Task 4
Main codes and conventions of the broadsheet online articles are long, informative rather than emotional, multi-cause headlines. The source B is breaking one of conventions by making it deliberately emotional.
The Saily Express online article says, “The five reasons why Keir Starmer shouldn't be so smug about Labour’s win” and subheadline says “Labour have won a historic victory but there's already warning signs for Sir Keir as he gets his hands on the keys to Downing Street for the first time.”. This headline uses unformal language like “Smug” and call Keir Starmer “Sir Keir”. This is designed to encode the idea that Starmer does not deserve to be treated properly and that he is complacent about his party's victory.
The Daily Express is ideologically right wing and delivers conservative ideas to its readers. By using informal appeals to the Prime Minister, such as “Sir Kier” to create resentment towards the party that won the election, as this party is a direct competitor of the Conservative Party.
Task 2
ReplyDeleteOnline broadsheets contain contextual images that support the factual tone of the article., alongside anchoring text, providing factual and polysemic descriptions. These reinforce the ideological positions of the reader and portray the more stoic tone of the paper, rather than the emotion tone of tabloids. Source B supports the convention that the image isn’t dominating the page as much as the headline is. This is purposefully done to create meaning of the image through the headline. The image depicts Kier Starmer giving a speech after labour won the general election. The image is taken below eyeline, forcing the audience to look up at him, creating a sense of inequality as it feels like he is boasting his power over us. Starmer is also looking away, past the camera, implying the idea that he doesn’t even acknowledge the audience. This implies that he doesn’t care about the public and believes he is the best, hence the ‘smug’ adjective in the headline. This aligns with the Express’ middle class, right wing readership as they believe that he is not a good leader, which is the viewpoint they are trying to construct by using this image. Kier Starmer almost looks nonchalant in the image as he isn’t wearing a suit jacket or tie, and even has his top button undone. This breaks the expectation of professionalism which is typically a convention of online broadsheets. The express have specifically selected this image to reflect the papers ideologies (right wing) to construct the audiences viewpoints to not support the labour party.
Task 3:
ReplyDeleteA convention used in Source A is the headline, “Keir we go,” which is written in a large, bold, white sans-serif font. This style is typical of tabloid newspapers, where the use of big text helps sell the newspaper from a distance. The informal tone of the headline, using a pun based on the football chant “Here we go,” reflects a light-hearted, populist approach to political reporting. This is a common feature of tabloid headlines. The pun constructs a positive ideological viewpoint of Keir Starmer, suggesting national unity and celebration around his election success. Below the headline is a subheadline that reads “Starmer and Labour in thumping landslide victory,” also in a white sans-serif font but in a smaller size. This reflects the tabloid convention of using the subheadline to support the main headline rather than compete with it. The words “thumping” and “landslide” are emotionally charged and exaggerate the scale of the win, which aligns with the sensationalist style typical of tabloid newspapers. These language choices reinforce an ideological message of power, constructing Labour as the clear victors and presenting Starmer in a triumphant light. The combination of informal language and dramatic word choices are all conventions used to construct a celebratory and simplified political narrative, appealing to a working-class audience.
Task 4:
ReplyDeleteThe headline in Source B, “The five reasons why Keir Starmer shouldn't be so smug about Labour's win,” follows the online broadsheet convention of using a much longer headline. Unlike the short, punchy tabloid headline in Source A, this headline is designed to appeal to an audience who actively seeks out news content. The language choice of “shouldn’t be so smug” introduces a critical tone and constructs a skeptical ideological viewpoint toward Starmer, suggesting that despite Labour’s win, his confidence may be premature or misplaced. This contrasts with the celebratory tone of the tabloid, reflecting the broadsheet’s more measured and nuanced approach. The headline is a serif font, typical of broadsheets, which prioritise professionalism. The subheadline reinforces this more critical stance. Phrases like “warning signs” and “gets his hands on the keys” add subtle caution, displaying Starmer as someone who must prove himself rather than bask in his success. Both the headline and subheadline work together to construct a complex ideological perspective, one that acknowledges Labour’s success but challenges the reader to remain critical of him