The Times Flashcards
What type of newspaper is The Times and when was it first published?
The Times is a British national ‘quality’ newspaper, also known as a broadsheet. It was first published in 1785.
Who currently publishes The Times and who owns the company?
The Times is published by Times Newspapers, a subsidiary of news UK, which is wholly owned by Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp.
What other newspapers are published are published by the same company as The Times?
the Sunday Times, The Sun, The Sun on Sunday, and until recently, the News of the World.
What is the Times’ political alignment?
it adopts a more neutral position compared to tabloids but leans right-wing and supports the Conservative party during key events like general elections.
How does the Times represent political viewpoints?
it features a range of journalists with varied political opinions, allowing for a more balanced political stance on some issues.
How does The Times describe itself on its website?
“A faithful recorder of the times for more than 200 years. it is authoritative, credible, responsible, trusted, and a part of the nation’s cultural heritage.”
When was the set edition of The Times published and what was its main focus?
Published on February 1, 2022, it focused on the report into parties held at Downing Street during COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.
What political scandal is covered in this edition?
Allegations that the Conservative party held gatherings during lockdown, including parties attended by PM Boris Johnson during Christmas 2020.
Who led the inquiry into the Downing Street parties and what happened after its release?
Sue Gray led the inquiry; after her report in January 2022, the Metropolitan police began investigations, and Boris Johnson faced calls to resign.
What was Boris Johnson expected to do on the day of this edition’s publication?
he was due to give a statement to the House of Commons about the events and investigation.
What is the primary demographic target of The Times?
ABC1 demographic- individuals with cultural capital who seek detailed news and analysis.
How does the Times reflect social and cultural contexts?
Through story selection, representation of social groups, and a focus on significant societal issues.
Why is the Times’ coverage of the lockdown scandal significant across political lines?
The revelations shocked members of both the Conservative and Labour parties, highlighting the story’s national impact.
How does the newspaper’s plug reflect cultural context?
it includes lifestyle content to broaden appeal and connect with cultural interests of the readership.
What visual feature is used to give prominence to key names on the front page?
Key names are positioned in white on a black background, functioning as anchors for the image of the Prime Minister.
What does the central image on the front page show and suggest?
it is a close-up of Boris Johnson with an indirect mode f address, showing trepidation. it suggests he has questions to answer without directly criticising him.
How is the front page layout divided?
it’s split between political stories and a plug promoting Times2, the lifestyle supplement.
What is featured on the Times2 plug on this edition’s front page?
An article on fitness and a personal story about being bitten by a puppy.
What layout conventions are typical of The Times as a broadsheet?
Text-led design, a main image, a secondary story (often in the right-hand column), a plug, and an ‘In the News’ section with jump lines.
What is the purpose of the caption used with the main image?
it is long and fact-based, placing the image in context without adopting a particular stance- typical of broadsheets.
What does the ‘In the News’ section provide, and what is its mode of address?
A summary of other global and national content with a serious and formal mode of address.
How is language used in the main stories on the front page?
It is formal, compact, and detailed; subheading are not generally used, implying the audience is comfortable with complex information.
What is the role of ‘the Times verdict’ subheadings on the front page?
it links to in-depth analysis inside and positions the newspaper as an opinion leader.
