The Daily Mirror Double Spread Page

Question 1

What layout features does The Daily Mirror Double Page Spread have? Why is this significant?

Answer 1

• The double page spread is busy and eye - catching; it incorporates a range of different newspaper features including the editorial, a letter, personal direct quotations, a comedy ‘photo’ cartoon, and large images, as well as the central story.
• It is relatively unusual to have all these features on the same page, suggesting the story’s importance.

Question 2

How is the Daily Mirror’s branding further utilised on the double page spread?

Answer 2

• The branding of the newspaper continues onto these pages with the use of the colour red linking to the ‘red top’ masthead. The subheading, pull quote and Keir Starmer’s name are also in a red palette, connoting the political allegiance of the newspaper.

Question 3

Headline on the double-page spread

Answer 3

• The headline is large and emotive echoing the front-page headline with the repetition of the word ‘shame’ conveying the values and beliefs of the newspaper and its opinion of what has happened.

Question 4

Central images on the double page spread

Answer 4

• The central images are emotive and dramatic, juxtaposing the
  scene from the hospital ward with a medium close-up of the prime
  minister smirking, looking furtive and holding a glass of wine.
• The selection of these particular images further reinforces the point that
  members of the government broke the rules while people were suffering.

Question 5

Pull quotes on the double page spread

Answer 5

• This tone is supported using direct quotations from ordinary people (who this newspaper represents) telling their own tragic Covid-19 stories. The pull quotes in this section, emphasised using large quotation marks, use language that conveys the unforgiving feeling of the newspaper: ‘continues to lie,’, ‘a mockery’.

Question 6

What lexical choices are made on the double page spread of the Daily Mirror and what is the effect?

Answer 6

• The language used across the double page spread vilifies the government and their actions.
• Binary opposites are used to reinforce the point – ‘quiet dignity’ set against ‘lying bombast’.
• The editorial ‘The Voice of The Mirror’ is more opinion led, which can be seen in the standfirst: ‘Boris Johnson is prepared to destroy everything and everybody around him to survive at all costs.