12/1/24

 Representation in newspapers 

Representation- when reality is being presented again to an audience.

• Representations are always constructed through media language. 
• Representations are never reality even if they seem relatable, believable or realistic. 
• This means that every media product is a lie, its not true on purpose.
• Reality is subjective, different people have different opinions on what they think is real. 

One technique that  newspapers can use to distort reality is Intertextuality- Where a media product makes sense only through its reference to other media products. Barthes (referential codes)

How does the 'Zero Shame' Daily Mirror front page use intertextuality to construct meaning?

The front page makes intertextual reference to action films through one liners, bold sentences and straight talking.

The lexis of 'cops' connotes America, exciting dramas, and a dangerous chance.

The bold numbers in yellow make intertextual reference to bomb countdowns from action films, providing the audience with an exciting and an anticipatory mode of address.

Polysemy- many meanings

Anchorage- the fixing of a particular meaning to a media text, often through captions

How does the 'Zero shame' front cover construct meaning?

A single front page story which almost exclusively focuses on Boris Johnson. This connotes not only the importance of this story, but also provides the audience with an exciting and eye-catching mode of address.

A mid- short of Johnson constructs a representation of his importance. However, further meaning is inferred through the mise-en-scene of Johnsons smirking face. His expression, further anchors the notion that he has no shame and completely lacks embarrassment adding to the dislike of Johnson.

'Boris Johnson again refusing to quit' the lexis here suggesting that Johnson is unreliable. The forceful  language functions as an intimidating mode of address towards Johnson. 

The colour of 'Grey Report Fallout' connotes an alarming situation. The colour red here clearly symbolises danger and seriousness , yet it forms a binary opposites with the mise-en-scene of Johnsons smug face.

The list of issues and scandals that have affected Johnson, including 'parties now probed by cops' presented a tedious and exhausting message to the target audience, and suggests that Johnson has been getting away with this for too long. This connotes that Johnson is nothing but a petty criminal, and is at best annoying.

The mise-en-scene of Johnsons suit presents a binary opposite to the awful things he's doing. The professionalism encoded through his suit suggests respectability, but his list of crimes conflicts with his respectable representation