The Times - American Election - C1 Flashcards
When was The Times first published?
1785
Who owns the Times?
The Times has been published by Times Newspapers since 1981 a subsidiary of News UK, wholly owned by News Corp, Rupert Murdoch’s company. News UK is a British-based, American-owned newspaper publisher.
When was the set text edition published?
10th November 2016
What type of newspaper is The Times?
A broadsheet
What is The Times political stance?
The Times is famous for having a range of journalists with varied political viewpoints which allows the newspaper to offer a more neutral political stance on Trump’s victory. That being said the paper is still considered right wing.
Who is the other man on the front cover?
Mike Pence, Vice President
How is media language used in the front cover?
- The Times chose to use an image across both the front and back pages of Trump celebrating his victory against a backdrop of the American flag.
- This use of American iconography establishes the cultural context of the story and connotes patriotism.
- Trump and Mike Pence, the Vice President, are positioned in a medium close up shot on either side of the frame with Trump in the foreground. Codes of dress connote a business approach with both men dressed in black suits but wearing red and blue ties which again reflect American iconography.
- The body language of the two men demonstrates an emotive response with Pence applauding Trump and the president clenching his right fist in celebration possibly holding back emotion.
- The copy on the front cover is in white like the masthead and simply states ‘The New World: Donald Trump sends shockwaves around the Globe’. This statement is powerful but maintains a neutral approach but also suggests this will effect the UK.
- The use of a quote “You will be so proud of your president you will be so proud” by Trump on the back page again suggests a neutral stance but could be interpreted as offering readers an insight into Trump’s character and need for acceptance. It also is dramatic and possibly foreshadows negative events.
Finish the quote: “You will __________”
“You will be so proud of your president you will be so proud”
Finish the quote: “The new ________”
“The New World: Donald Trump sends shockwaves around the Globe”
How can Roland Barthes’ semiotic theory be applied to The Times?
The use of American iconography throughout the front and back pages and the use of the American flag as a backdrop will have immediate cultural significance for the reader who will be able to create meaning in the associations they have with these signs.
How can Levi-Strauss’ structuralism theory be applied to The Times?
- The use of the copy “globe” and “world” creates a binary opposition of America and the world.
- Trump’s body language also connotes pride whilst his facial expression looks pained.
- Through the representation of white upper-class men and binary opposition of lower-class POC women who aren’t represented is created
How is Trump and Pence represented by the newspaper?
- Both Trump and Pence represent a stereotypical, white, upper class, male politician and their strong Christian, conservative values were used throughout the election campaign to encourage
the American public to vote Republican. - Both Trump and Pence are dressed in tailored business suits which represent them as business like and conservative in their appearance. They are both wearing American flag badges which is symbolic of their patriotism . The use of coloured ties is symbolic of the American flag.
- Their body language and facial expression connote determination and a serious approach.
- This use of representation transmits ideas to the reader about inequalities of power and the subordination of certain social groups.
What is The Times relationship with online media?
The group was one of the first companies in the UK to introduce an online newspaper but also paywalls which required readers to pay for use of the site. This was introduced in response to the fall in print sales within the group. However, The Times is the only national quality newspaper to show year-on- year growth for print sales.
How can Curran and Seaton’s power theory be applied to The Times?
As The Times is part of both a horizontally and vertically integrated company and subsequently a large conglomerate, being part of a huge press organization could limit or inhibit creativity and journalists’ freedom. Rupert Murdoch is often accused of controlling his newspaper content and editorial teams which would support this point.
How can Livingstone and Lunt’s regulation theory be applied to The Times?
The Times Newspaper Group and News Corp are
facing increasing pressure alongside the rest of the
UK press industry to adhere to strict rules and
guidelines on industry practice. This has arisen after
the phone hacking scandal (which involved one
of their own newspapers) and subsequent Leveson
enquiry into the industry. The News of the World which was owned by New Corp ceased production following the phone hacking scandal of 2011.
