Front Page Flashcards
What is featured on the front page of The Times, and how is it divided?
The front page of The Times is split between political stories and a plug promoting Times2, the lifestyle supplement. The lifestyle section includes an article on fitness and a personal story about being bitten by a puppy.
How would you describe the layout and design of the front page of The Times?
The layout and design are conventional for a broadsheet, quality newspaper, being text-led rather than image-led. It typically includes a standalone image, main story, secondary story, and a plug. There’s also a ‘In the News’ section at the bottom with jump lines to the main inside stories.
What is the significance of The Times’ masthead and typography on the front page?
The masthead is bold and recognizable, signifying the ideology of the paper, suggesting it reports and reflects upon contemporary issues. The strong typography, alongside the crest and logo featuring a lion and unicorn, emphasises traditional values and longevity.
What is the headline and subheading to the article?
Headline - “Police investigate PM’s four lockdown parties”
Subheading - “Gray criticises leadership and drinking culture”
How does the headline and sub-heading contribute to the tone of the front page?
The headline “Police investigate PM’s four lockdown parties” is informative, not dramatic. The sub-heading “Gray criticises leadership and drinking culture” is also informative but subtly criticizes through language choice, highlighting the number ‘four’ and mentioning a ‘drinking culture.’
How are pull quotes used on the front page, and what do they emphasise?
Pull quotes are direct quotations from Sue Gray’s report, emphasized by their white text on a black background. They anchor the image of the Prime Minister and underscore the importance of the quotes in relation to the news.
Describe the central image on the front page and its purpose.
The central image is a close-up photograph of Boris Johnson with an indirect mode of address, suggesting trepidation as he heads to the Commons. It implies that he has questions to answer without explicit criticism.
How is language and mode of address utilized in the front page stories?
The language is formal and compact, lacking subheadings. The detailed text suggests readers are comfortable with in-depth information. A ‘The Times Verdict’ sub-heading establishes the newspaper as an opinion leader.
What is the role of the ‘In the News’ section at the bottom of the page?
The ‘In the News’ section offers brief summaries of other content in the newspaper, including a global aspect. The mode of address is serious and formal in this section.
How does the plug on the front page differ in construction from the rest of the content?
The plug uses a bright colour palette, differentiating between serious and lighter elements of the newspaper’s content. This construction aims to capture attention and diversify the reader’s experience.
How do newspapers, including The Times, create meaning according to the structuralist (Levi-Strauss) perspective?
Newspapers create meaning through their structure, utilising typical codes and conventions to fulfil audience expectations and appeal to loyal readers. The use of headlines, language, and mode of address varies between popular and quality newspapers, contributing to the communication of different meanings.
What role do codes and conventions play in conveying meanings in newspapers?
Codes and conventions in newspapers play a crucial role in conveying meanings. The way these codes are employed across newspapers can communicate distinct messages, shaping the overall perception of the content.
According to the structuralist perspective, what is the significance of pairs of oppositions in creating meaning?
Meaning, from a structuralist perspective, is dependent on pairs of oppositions. The way these oppositions are used and resolved in newspapers reflects the ideological stance of the publication.
How does The Times differ in terms of explicit political allegiance compared to tabloid publications?
The Times demonstrates less explicit political allegiance compared to tabloid publications. This distinction allows The Times to offer more than one viewpoint on an issue, and the resolution of oppositions may be evident in editorials or opinion pieces where political allegiance is more apparent.
In the context of structuralism, when might the resolution of oppositions be more explicit in newspapers like The Times?
The resolution of oppositions in newspapers like The Times may be more explicit in editorial or opinion pieces, where the political allegiance of the paper becomes clearer. These sections provide a platform for a more direct presentation of the newspaper’s ideological stance.
