GCSE Media - The Guardian 18.1.22 - Media Language & Representation

Summary

This video guide offers an insightful analysis of a *The Guardian* newspaper front cover, focusing on its use of media language and representation. The presenter dissects key features, including the masthead, strapline, and headline, exploring how they target a middle-to-upper-class audience. Visual elements, such as the unconventional image of Boris Johnson, and political undertones, like the binary opposition between the public and political elites, are highlighted. The video also touches on how the cover reflects political context, such as the pandemic and Tory scandals, offering a comprehensive look at how the newspaper engages with its readers and aligns with its left-wing stance.

Takeaways

• 😀 The masthead 'The Guardian' presents the newspaper as caring and protective, with a sense of historical gravitas.
• 😀 The strapline 'News Provider of the Year' suggests the newspaper is award-winning and therefore of high quality.
• 😀 The high price of the newspaper indicates it's targeted at a middle- to upper-class audience.
• 😀 The inclusive language in the headline 'What we miss about working in the office' connects with readers, especially those in office-based jobs.
• 😀 The headline reflects the cultural context of the pandemic, focusing on working from home and the missed social aspects of office life.
• 😀 A binary opposition is created between the general public, who missed out on normal activities, and Boris Johnson, who allegedly violated party restrictions.
• 😀 The use of Dominic Cummings as a source adds credibility to the story while reflecting the political context of his fallout with the Conservative Party.
• 😀 The image of Boris Johnson in casual attire (jogging with his dog) is deliberately absurd, contrasting with the formal image expected of a Prime Minister.
• 😀 The visual style of the cover, including the photo montage, creates a casual, relatable atmosphere that resonates with the target audience.
• 😀 Articles on political dishonesty (e.g., Michelle Moan and PPE contracts) continue the Guardian's critique of the Conservative Party and its ethics.
• 😀 References to art, wine, and Andy Warhol position the newspaper as catering to a middle-class, left-leaning audience with anti-capitalist values.

Q & A

What does the masthead 'The Guardian' suggest about the newspaper?

The masthead 'The Guardian' implies that the newspaper is protective, reliable, and caring, akin to a parental figure looking after its readers. The phrase also suggests tradition and authority, given that the newspaper has been in operation for over 200 years.

How does the strapline 'News Provider of the Year' impact the perception of the newspaper?

The strapline 'News Provider of the Year' presents the newspaper as award-winning, implying high-quality journalism. It reinforces the image of The Guardian as a credible and respected source of news.

What does the small price on the front cover suggest about the target audience?

The small price suggests that the newspaper is relatively expensive, which typically points to a middle-to-upper-class audience. This aligns with the content, which focuses on issues relevant to professional and educated readers.

How does the headline 'What We Miss About Working in the Office' connect with the social context of the time?

The headline reflects the social and cultural context of the COVID-19 pandemic, during which many people were working from home. It taps into feelings of nostalgia for the office environment, particularly among middle-class workers.

Why is the use of the word 'we' in the headline significant?

The word 'we' creates a sense of inclusivity, making readers feel that the newspaper understands their situation. It positions the Guardian as a relatable entity that speaks on behalf of its audience, particularly those in similar professional positions.

What does the image of Boris Johnson jogging with his dog suggest about his representation?

The image of Boris Johnson jogging in casual attire contrasts with the expected formal image of a prime minister. It portrays him as careless, unprofessional, and perhaps out of touch with the gravity of his position, which aligns with the Guardian's critical stance towards him.

How does the inclusion of Dominic Cummings as a source impact the story?

The inclusion of Dominic Cummings, who was fired by Boris Johnson, lends a sense of controversy and disloyalty to the story. It suggests that Cummings’ accusations may carry weight due to his insider knowledge, enhancing the credibility and drama of the claims against Johnson.

What does the use of small text and page numbers on the front cover suggest about the newspaper’s audience?

The use of small text and page numbers indicates that the audience is expected to be educated and literate, with a higher level of engagement with detailed, in-depth content. It also reflects the broadsheet style, which tends to appeal to a more intellectual and professional demographic.

How does the article about the Ukraine conflict contribute to the newspaper’s representation of the UK?

The article about the UK’s support for Ukraine casts the country in a positive light, positioning it as a 'savior' helping the Ukrainian people. This representation is consistent with the Guardian’s values of social justice and international solidarity.

What is the significance of the reference to Andy Warhol in the top right corner of the cover?

The reference to Andy Warhol, an anti-capitalist and left-wing artist, aligns with the Guardian’s political values. It also speaks to the newspaper's target audience, who may appreciate high culture and art, further reinforcing its middle-class, intellectual demographic.