The times partgate Flashcards
The product
- The Times is a British national “quality” (broadsheet) newspaper first published in 1785. Since 1981, it has been owned by Times Newspapers, a subsidiary of News UK, which is wholly owned by Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp. It also publishes The Sunday Times, The Sun, and formerly News of The World.
- Politically, The Times is generally more neutral than tabloids but leans right, often supporting the Conservative Party, especially during elections. It features a range of journalist perspectives, contributing to a more balanced viewpoint on some issues.
- The paper describes itself as authoritative, credible, and a trusted part of Britain’s cultural heritage. The specific edition referenced was published on February 1, 2022, and focuses on the investigation into lockdown parties at Downing Street.
political context:
This edition of The Times covers the political scandal involving allegations that the Conservative Party held parties during the 2020 Christmas lockdown, despite enforcing strict restrictions on the public. The story first emerged in November 2021 and claimed Prime Minister Boris Johnson attended some of these gatherings.
An inquiry led by civil servant Sue Gray published its findings in January 2022. On the day this edition was released, Johnson was expected to address Parliament. The paper reported that the Metropolitan Police were investigating potential lockdown breaches at Downing Street, and Johnson had rejected calls to resign.
social and cultral context
The Times largely
targets a ABC1 demographic with cultural
capital and an interest in news and analysis in
detail. This demographic is targeted through the
news values of the paper, the selection of stories
and how particular social groups and issues are
represented.
* The choice to focus on this particular story also
reinforces a common theme for this newspaper
– to accurately present the news and its effect
on society. Whilst it is not explicitly critical of
the government on this front page, this story
cut across political divides with many members
of the Conservative party as well as Labour
shocked by the revelations.
- The newspaper’s plug also reflects a cultural
context with a lifestyle focus intended to
broaden the appeal of the newspaper.
Masthead
bold and recognisable and signified the ideology of the paper: it reports and reflects on the issues of the time.
Typography - strong and commands the front page, placed either side of the crest. The slogan Dieu et Mon Droit - God and My Right - date to King Richard 1st. Suggests longevity and traditional values.
main image
close-up of Boris Johnson. Indirect mode of address - his code of expression shows trepidation of what is to come. Paper chose image to suggest that he does have questions to answer, while not explicitly criticising him.
tightly cropped
headline
The headline ‘Police investigate PM’s four
lockdown parties’ is informative rather than
dramatic and enigmatic. The same is true of
the sub-heading ‘Gray criticises leadership and
drinking culture’. However, there is subtle,
implicit criticism through the selection and use
of language, for example including the number
‘four’ and choosing the specific aspect of the
report that comments on a ‘drinking culture’.
police investigate PMs four lockdown parties
serious mode of adress, four emphaises sheer serveity of scandal
decalitive
subheading
‘Gray cristicses leadership and drinking culture’
drinking clutre has connotations of working class, low cultre, deogratry, borsi bad connotations
statistics
hundred of photos
extent of problem
ABC1 readership, can understand staticstics
pull quotes
Pull quotes - on central image are direct quotes from Sue Gray report. Given prominence. White on black gives stand out. Quote marks and quotes as anchor for image of PM.
there was too little thought given to what was happening across the country
copy
lots of copy reflect broadsheet and audince highly eduacted
secondary story - how to be fit
reflects busy professionals a lighter story as an antidote to scandal
engagaing, fitness is trendy
johnsons clothing
blue suit and tie feels professional powerful and wealthy, he looks like an imposter in it with the facil expression
