2.6.3
Media Language
Genre Conventions and Layout
Genre Conventions and Layout
A range of techniques are employed in newspapers to encode meaning and it is important to identify and examine issues such as genre conventions, the use of images and the language used.
Genre conventions
Genre conventions
- Some of the common features or conventions of a newspaper are as follows:
- A Masthead - the name of the newspaper which often reflects its values and house style.
- Headlines - a phrase summarising the story.
Conventions
Conventions
- Splash - the main story on a front page.
- Plug - an advert for other items or features in the newspaper.
- Use of columns.
- Standfirst - the introductory paragraph of a story.
- By-line - name of writer for the stories.
- Anchorage - the placing of captions with text to create a specific and more definite meaning.
Conventions cont.
Conventions cont.
- Trail - when a story starts on one page and is continued on another.
- Main body.
- Captions.
- Quotes.
- Photographs.
- Advertisements.
Layout and design
Layout and design
- It is important to analyse the composition of a newspaper.
- The way the front page or double page spread has been designed will create certain connotations.
Consider the following:
Consider the following:
- The rough ratio of text to image.
- The use of images and the images selected.
- The use of colour.
- The use of typography.
- If the newspaper has a house style.
- How captions and/or quotes are placed to anchor meaning.
Verbal Codes and Narrative
Verbal Codes and Narrative
A range of techniques are employed in newspapers to encode meaning and it is important to identify and examine issues such as genre conventions, the use of images and the language used.
Verbal codes (language)
Verbal codes (language)
- The language style used in newspapers is important.
- It can reflect the target audience and affect the representation of events, people or places.
Make sure to identify the following:
Make sure to identify the following:
- The use of pun, alliteration, sensationalist or emotive language.
- The mode of address adopted.
- Whether the newspaper takes a balanced objective approach to the story or is biased.
- If the stories covered are examples of hard or soft news.
Narrative
Narrative
- Some important factors to do with narrative to remember when analysing a newspaper are:
- Is there evidence of any Binary Oppositions (Strauss)?
- Can you apply Propp’s theory of character roles?
- For example is anyone represented as the hero/villain?
Narrative cont.
Narrative cont.
- Do any of the stories create a moral panic in relation to any issues or social groups?
- What narrative techniques are used to tell the stories in the newspapers?
- For example the use of statistics or quotes from witnesses.
1Overview
1.1Media Language
1.3Representation
2Component 1: Section A
2.1Magazines
2.3Advertising & Marketing
2.4Print Advertisements
2.5Film Posters (Marketing)
2.6Newspapers
2.8The Guardian
3Component 1: Section B
3.1Video Games
3.3Radio
3.4No Time To Die
4Component 2: Section A
4.1Television
4.2Sitcom
5Component 2: Section B
5.1Music Video
5.2Michael Jackson
5.3Taylor Swift
Jump to other topics
1Overview
1.1Media Language
1.3Representation
2Component 1: Section A
2.1Magazines
2.3Advertising & Marketing
2.4Print Advertisements
2.5Film Posters (Marketing)
2.6Newspapers
2.8The Guardian
3Component 1: Section B
3.1Video Games
3.3Radio
3.4No Time To Die
4Component 2: Section A
4.1Television
4.2Sitcom
5Component 2: Section B
5.1Music Video
5.2Michael Jackson
5.3Taylor Swift
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