2.6.3

Media Language

Test yourself

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.

Illustrative background for Genre conventionsIllustrative background for Genre conventions ?? "content

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.
Illustrative background for Conventions Illustrative background for Conventions  ?? "content

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.
Illustrative background for Conventions cont.Illustrative background for Conventions cont. ?? "content

Conventions cont.

  • Trail - when a story starts on one page and is continued on another.
  • Main body.
  • Captions.
  • Quotes.
  • Photographs.
  • Advertisements.
Illustrative background for Layout and design Illustrative background for Layout and design  ?? "content

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.
Illustrative background for Consider the following:Illustrative background for Consider the following: ?? "content

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

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.

Illustrative background for Verbal codes (language)Illustrative background for Verbal codes (language) ?? "content

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.
Illustrative background for Make sure to identify the following:Illustrative background for Make sure to identify the following: ?? "content

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.
Illustrative background for NarrativeIllustrative background for Narrative ?? "content

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?
Illustrative background for Narrative cont.Illustrative background for Narrative cont. ?? "content

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.

Jump to other topics

1Overview

2Component 1: Section A

3Component 1: Section B

4Component 2: Section A

5Component 2: Section B

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson