Blog task:The Times case study

Language

1) What is the main story on the front cover of the Times CSP edition (5 May 2018) and why does it appeal to Times readers?

The main front cover story of The Times edition is based on politics,in particular the failure of the Labour party in the local elections and Jeremy Corbyn. This appeals to a older working class readers. 


2) What are the main stories on the inside pages of the Times CSP edition (5 May 2018)? List the headlines here.

-The main stories on the inside pages are:
-"Kay Burley- Don't mess with me "
-"40 best country house hotels"
-"MPs call for inquest as Corbyn fails election test" 

3) What is the balance on the Times front page between images, headlines and text? How does this contrast with The Mirror?

-The contrast between the images and headlines is that the images correlate with the headline.
For example, Kay Burley's "Don't mess with me" symbolises her strength as a female journalist, this is supported further as the image shows her flexing her muscular assets. Another exaample would be the "40 best country houses- stunning walks and bike trails" The image used shows a stunning, summery, flower trail which is used to appeal the readers and give them an imaginative perspective of what the deal could look like. 

4) Which of Galtung and Ruge's News Values apply to the Times's front page stories? Write about both the politics main story and the Sir Paul McCartney picture story.

-Continuity; this is because the writer mentions political debates that have been going on for the last 3 years. In this case, Brexit and mentioning MP Boris Johnson.


5) What does a close analysis of the news stories in the Times CSP edition suggest about the Times's political beliefs?

-The Political beliefs on The Times favours the Conservative party in various ways:
-Through the main image about the MP you can see how the Tories are favoured a lot more as their main aim is to criticise the Labour party which has been their opposing party for a long time. The use of the Royal crest in the masthead shows how they've secured a Tories place and support them majorly.

Audience

1) What is the main readership demographic for The Times newspaper?

-Middle-Upper class (AB demographic)
2) Why do the Times front page stories/features appeal to the Times audience?

The Times front page stories and features appeal to the audience as it favours Sir Paul McCartney who was a prior Beatles celeb and most of the readers are 65+. Also they mention their main article about the labour party failing which appeals conservative supports which is what predominately takes up.
3) Why might the election coverage be enjoyable to Times readers?

-It might be enjoyable as majority of the Times readers favour the Conservative party also alongside this, mojority of the Times readers are 35+ therefore able to vote so overall they'd find this appealing.

4) Why might a reader enjoy the Times? Use Blumler & Katz Uses and Gratifications theory to add detail to your answer.

-Surveillance: politics/local elections


-Entertainment/Diversion: Interviews with features (Father's and daughters)/(Kay Burley)
                                         Country house hotels/Recipes & BBQ

-Personal Identity: Fatherhood, bank holiday, BBQ, Politics- conservative voters

-Personal relationships: Picture story/ Sir Paul McCartney 
                                    Father of daughters 
                                    Caitlin Mortan (Times Columnist)
                                    Kay Burley
5) Times readers are mostly over 55 years old. Why is this and how is this reflected in the CSP edition?  

This is most aptly reflected on the CSP edition as majority of the stories all relate to the following: 
-Politics
-Royal family/Celebrity 
-Holidays/Breaks-Cooking

Representation


1) What representation of the Labour Party can be found on the front page of the Times?

-The representation of the labour party has been published in order to make a mockery out of them. The Times writers' have included various ways to make the party seem unorganised and racist.
2) What representation of the Conservative Party can be found in The Times newspaper. Give examples from the CSP. 

-The Times paper seems to endorse traditional ideals by focusing on criticising the Labour Party and favouring the Conservative Party. Labour "scandals" are referenced ("Birmingham remains red despite scandals") and a very right-wing "hard-Brexit" perspective is offered. This will appeal to older, largely male Conservative voters.   People will use many of the articles in The Times as a focus of discussion with friends. Here, the Times offers an interview with Kay Burley plus recipe ideas and barbecue and holiday tips. 

3) What representations of gender can be found in The Times CSP pages? 

-In the Times, the male gender is not just favoured. Women are also represented in a way that subverts stereotypes, for example, the image used of Kay Burley shows how muscular and built she is therefore supporting the fact that women are equal to me and can be strong.
4) How does the Times reinforce British social and cultural values in their front page? Look at the kicker, pug and sidebar stories to give you a clue here.

-People will use many of the articles in The Times as a focus of discussion with friends.  It helps people feel that they are part of a common traditional culture. This is arguably less evident in The Times than the Mirror since the Times seeks to be a source of information rather than a ‘friend’ or confidante. Here, the Times offers an interview with Kay Burley plus recipe ideas and barbecue and holiday tips. 
5) How are the pages constructed to encourage the audience to take a negative view of the Labour Party?

-The front page includes an article criticising the labour party and then the next page of the newspaper has an entire 2 page article where the Labour party is desensitised by the Tories.
Industries

1) Who owns the Times?

-Rupert Murdoch- owner of News UK/ News Corp

2) What was the The Times's circulation in 2019? How many papers did the Times used to sell back in the 1990s?

-The Times circulation in 2019 was 376,000, down 12% in a year and much lower than the high point of over 800,000 in the 1990s. 
3) How has the Times reacted to the decline in print sales and the growth of the internet?

Moved towards a multi-platform landscape so this means that it publishes and synchronises across its print, desktop and mobile platforms.  
The Times have a paywall on their online content. The Times has had a hard paywall since 2010, but it often experiments with making content available for free. 
They've created a social media strategy in collaboration with the digital team to drive growth of their Twitter and Facebook profiles. 
4) What does IPSO stand for and what is IPSO's job?

-IPSO stands for Independent Press Standards Organisation
-They deal with any complaints that the readers have with any headlines.
- Hold newspapers and magazines to account for their actions, protect individual rights, uphold high standards of journalism and help to maintain freedom of expression for the press
5) Why do some people want stronger regulation of British newspapers?

-They want a stronger regulation as IPSO haven't necessarily followed through with their scheme. There have been 0 fines or charges for Newspaper companies that have offended people.
-This is down to the fact that the regulators are actually paid by the Newspaper companies themselves.

December Paper 2 PPE: Learner response

1) Type up your feedback in full (you don't need to write the mark and grade if you want to keep this confidential). The grade boundaries are here if you are wondering how close you are to the next grade up.

-Basic overall understanding of the CSPs within this exam.
-Some links made to media theories and terminology.
-Able to define some media terminology.

2) On a scale of 1-10 (1 = low, 10 = high), how much revision and preparation did you do for the December PPEs?

Out of the 10 i think i score a solid 5 because i made flash cards , i just didn't put them into some use.

3) Use the mark scheme for this assessment to identify three points you could have made in any of the questions in Section A (Television). Look for the indicative content in the mark scheme - these are the suggested answers from AQA.

• I could've linked the characters to a relevant media theory. 
• I could've used more complex and explained media terminology. 
• I could've applied a variety of media theories with relevant examples.

4) There are three 20-mark essay questions in Media Paper 2. What will you do to improve your performance in the 20-mark essays in the March PPEs? 

I will ensure that i add a variety of media terminology and media theories with sensible use and relevant examples.

5) Question 5 is a synoptic question that requires you to refer to other CSPs. What other CSPs could you have used for this Question 5 on Zoella and celebrity?

I could've used kim-kardashian to

Blog task:Daily Mirror case study

Language
1) Write the definition of the following key language for newspaper front pages:

Masthead:  title text
Pug: Catches readers attention 
Incentive: Special offer/voucher
Splash Head: lead story 
Slogan: sums up ethos of newspaper
Dateline: The day it was published 
Kicker: top 3rd page - inclusive preview to draw attention 
Byline: Authors name 
Standfirst: Introductory paragraph (usually in bold)

2) How much does a copy of the Daily Mirror cost?

£1.20 


3) What are the main stories on the CSP edition of the Daily Mirror (see above)?

-Coronation street star in jail 
- Megan Markle royal wedding

4) Why is the choice of news story on the CSP front page typical of a tabloid newspaper?

It includes soft news - gossip

 5) What is the balance on the Daily Mirror front page between images, headlines and text?

More images than initial text and a lot of headlines included. 

Audience

1) What is the target audience for the Daily Mirror?

The target audience for the daily mirror is 35 - 65+

2) Why does the Mirror front page story appeal to the Daily Mirror audience?

In comparison to the Coronation Street demographics, the audience of watchers in the Uk is around the same social class as The Mirrors audience (C2DE) therefore fans of corrie will more likely be interested.


3) Why might a reader enjoy the Daily Mirror? Use Blumler & Katz Uses and Gratifications theory to add detail to your answer.

Surveillance- it provides information about the world
Diversion/Entertainment & Personal Relationships- Meghan Markle and "Corrie Kev"
Personal Identity- news selected reflects on the life and political view of the Mirror readers.


4) Why are print newspapers generally read by older audiences?

Print newspapers are traditionally read by older audiences as they buy newspapers more often whereas the younger generation are more into news through social media or online.

5) How is the 'Back from the Red' local election story on the double page spread constructed to appeal to Daily Mirror readers? 

The Mirror readers are predominately Labour party voters as according to demographics of the political view in the UK, the working class are usually labour party voters therefore this will appeal to the audience since it favours the left wing over conservatives.

Representation

1) How does the Daily Mirror represent the Conservative Party and its MPs? Look at the double-page spread politics story.

The Mirror favours the Labour party and have done so for a long time. In the double page spread, they address the election where labour had lost, however, the Mirror made a distinctive claim about their main opposing party (Conservative) where the writer included a statement when an MP from their party was racist toward the Asian community.

2) How does the Daily Mirror represent the Labour Party and its MPs. Look at the double-page spread politics story.

They actually praise their party in a subtle yet clear way despite losing the election.

3) How does the Daily Mirror represent Teresa May and Jeremy Corbyn as political leaders? Look at the double page spread politics story and in particular the use of images.


The images used of Theresa May has been purposely done in order to make her persona seem clown like and stupid. However, the image of Corbyn is shown so that he is portrayed to be a happy, dominant leader in comparison to May.

4) Why did the Daily Mirror include a discussion about a Conservative councillor suspended for racism in the double-page spread politics story? 

They included this in order to favour the labour party by bringing down a Conservative councillor. This would turn many readers against the Conservative party as racism is a massive issue for majority of the work class.

5) How does the Daily Mirror represent celebrity and the royal family? Look at the front page stories on the CSP edition of the Daily Mirror.

They represent celebrity in a bad way- "Corrie's Kev" had reportedly got into an argument with the police however nothing happened to him. The Mirror still made him look guilty even when he was not- they did so by incorporating a paparazzi image of him where he doesn't look very friendly. With the royalty, there was not much negativity.

Industries

1) What company owns the Daily Mirror?

Reach- it was formerly owned by Trinity Mirror. They own multiple local and regional newspaper.

2) What is the Daily Mirror's circulation in 2020? How many papers did the Daily Mirror used to sell back in the 1990s?

The Daily Mirror's circulation has fallen drastically over the years from over 3 million a day in 1990 down to around 500,000 a day in 2019.


3) Why has the newspaper industry struggled in the last 20 years?

They have tried to seem fine with it however they've lost a lot of profit due to the growth of the internet. In order to regain claims, the Mirror have now invested in websites and social media (apps) to share their news publicly but this comes without a charge.


4) How has the Daily Mirror reacted to the decline in print sales and the growth of the internet?

Independent Press Standard Organisation- As a face-to-face interviewer you will carry out surveys on behalf of many different clients including local and central government, the media, and a range of companies and charities. A large number of these surveys are conducted face-to-face by a Market Research Interviewer in the street or in people's homes.


5) List five of Galtung & Ruge's News Values and explain how they link to the stories in our CSP edition of the Daily Mirror.

Continuity - On going political issues based on different government parties.
Consonance - The prediction made based on the 2019 elections that the conservative party is going to win.
Elite people - Theresa May & Jeremy Corbyn
Compositional balance - Different issues addressed around the UK including celebrities and politics. 
Frequency - Naturally the events you expect to happen involving political issues are likely to happen/unfold

Online, social and participatory case study 3: Zoella blog tasks

Language

Read this Marie Clare article on Zoella as an online phenomenon.

1) Who is Zoella and why is she famous? How many subscribers does Zoella's YouTube channel have currently?
Zoella is a You-Tuber that 'vlog's' and creates videos based on different topics and ideas.Shes notoriously known for her make-up and fashion videos.She currently holds a whopping 11.6 million subscribers.

2) What is convergence?
Convergence is the blending of multiple media forms into one platform for purposes of delivering a dynamic experience.

3) What are Zoella's videos about? Find five video titles and write them here:
They mainly consist of beauty videos (hair and makeup), challenges with friends, cooking and general advice:
-Best Friend Does My ASOS Shop 
-My Travel Anxiety Tip
-Brother Does My Makeup (Shock Edition) 
-Best of Beauty 2017
-Huge American Haul (Ulta Beauty, Bath & BodyWorks, Glossier & Duane Reade)


4) What are the codes and conventions of vlogging videos?
-Visual contact with the camera 
-Casual Outfits
-Jump cuts
-Entertaining topics
-Consistent movement with the camera 
- Interacting with the camera as if its actually some you're talking to


5) How does Zoella use media language choices to create her online identity? Write about Zoella's use of mise-en-scene (CLAMPS) - particularly costume and make-up.

C- Zoella's costumes mainly consists of casual outfits typically from the brands she advertises , also the outfits are chosen based on the seasonal period of when the videos been recorded.

L- Her lighting is always a golden/white making her videos seem very warm,welcoming and homely feeling.

M- Her make-up is always done and seems quite natural, her hair is dyed which fits into the modern trends on social media.

P- The props she uses depends on the type of video: baking: clothes; bags: make-up: her room tours include pillows, blankets, lights etc.

A- The audience includes young teenagers however more recently probably older teens from 18-20+.

S- the setting she films in is mostly her bedroom of other areas in her house, this will automatically give her videos a homely feel and make them welcoming for the consumer.

Industries



1) How does Zoella make money? (You might want to read this Heatworld feature for more on this.)

-partnerships (Superdrug// beauty products made £1m in sales)
-advertising (YouTube// Pre-roll Ads) + (Website Ads- £4,000/month)
-sponsored social media posts (Instagram)
-books (ghostwritten- £100,000 advance and made £2m in sales)
-Vlog Tour (meet and greets)
-product placement (showcase products for companies- up to £20,000)
-At peak she made £443/hour
2) What is a digital influencer? Why is Zoella considered a digital influencer?
-A digital influencer is basically a YouTube vlogger. She is considered one as Zoella makes videos and posts them on the YouTube platform also she is part of a community of friends who are also digital influencers (they use social media platforms to show content)
3) Why do companies want to place their products in Zoella's videos?
-They want to place their products in her videos in order to advertise them to her fan base. Most of her fan base see her as a beauty guru therefore any products that she uses (not really) will instantly prompt her viewers to buy it and try it out.
4) Why are YouTube collaborations so important for helping digital influencers like Zoella to grow?
-They are important because it widens their fan-base and views. When digital influencers collab with each other the views add up together, making them more money.


5) How has Zoella moved into a more traditional media landscape in recent years?
-She's moved into more traditional media landscape recently by publishing two books which isn't something a modern youtuber would do. Also, as Zoella has become more successful, she has made more appearances in traditional media such as TV, newspapers and magazines (e,g- Loose Women)


Audience



1) Who is the target audience for Zoella's channel?

The target audience for Zoella is teenagers and older (18+)

2) How are audiences encouraged to participate in or feel part of Zoella's brand? 

She uses phrases to really engage her viewers such as "who remembers that" and daily updates on her social media allows them to have access to her everyday life.

3) What audience pleasures are provided by Zoella's videos and associated products?

Diversion- Entertaining and light-hearted, YouTube videos (bite-sized chunks)
Surveillance- anxiety and mental health
Identity- experiences of teenage life (anxiety), content seeks to reflect mainstream lifestyle)
Relationships-Zoella and audience- mode od address is like talking to a friend, makes reference to long-term fans.
4) Applying Stuart Hall's Reception theory, what would a preferred and oppositional reading of Zoella?

 
Preferred (people who love Zoella): she's normal, down to earth girl who is just like her audience (gives good advice)

Oppositional (people who hate Zoella):-fake (ghostwritten work)
-acts a lot younger than she is 
-ripping off her younger fans (book and advent calender for £50)
-caught driving and filming
-poor role model for women (all content is about her looks)
-hypocrisy- anxiety and appearance.

5) Why has Zoella been criticised by some people?

All of the above.


Representations


Read this Independent article arguing Zoella is a bad role model for young women.


Next, read this Independent article arguing the opposite. 


1) What is your opinion on this debate - is Zoella a positive role model for young women?



2) What representations of women are provided by Zoella?



3) What representations of celebrity are provided by Zoella? Is a self-made YouTube celebrity more authentic or positive than a traditional music or TV star?



4) How does Zoella represent herself? Is this the real Zoe Suggs or a media construction designed to sell products?

5) What criticisms could be levelled at the representation of Zoella?