Representation and Language

Observer house style:
- the newspaper change its format on 15th January 2018. It was previously known as a Berliner size (smaller than a broadsheet, bugger than a tabloid) and then re-launched to a tabloid (but this was more in terms if size than style).

•Typography: Sans Serif font with rounded ends and in black. This is a simple font and bold. This fit in with the newspaper being liberal and for ‘progressives’.
Formal and serious, which was associated with ‘quality’ newspapers.
Mixture of bold and non bold fonts throughout to connote a combination of tradition and modernity.

•Body copy was written in a serif font, making it easy to read and traditional for newspapers.

•Colour: House colour linked to the brand -à Grey-blue.
Different colours branded different sections.

Images: Uses full colour photography, which brings variety and visual interest. Most images are of politicians, celebrities and ordinary people. Some are close ups, most are mid or long shots to connote a news orientation.

Use of Language: Headlines are written in a journalistic style (newsy), but are formal. Skyboxes informal tone, more personal and helpful.

Values: Liberal values: tolerance, fairness and progress through media language, which makes it mainstream.

It’s designed to connote that the newspaper is packed full of news, which celebrates the value of information



- LAYOUT -  a lot of body text, but the image is very large as its a powerful picture and wants to attract the readers. This front cover is symmetrical and equal which eases the readers. Its also ordered well which shows the formal manner and shows the 'hard news'

- TYPOGRAPHY - the masthead is bold and block. its serif font which is bold and elegant, reflecting the style and formality of the newspaper. This also makes it easier for the readers to read.

- LANGUAGE USE - formal language which aiders to the target audience. Direct address which makes the reader feel inclusive and as it they are talking directly to them.

- IMAGES - 'me too campaign' is about the main picture, its very large and eye catching as it wants to show that women also are dominate. The images at the top is not only advertising and self promoting, but also showing equality as there are different genders and ethnicity (Scott Trust). The show famous, wealthy cooks as they have a more wealthier target audience.

- GRAPHICS AND COLOUR - the use of the colour purple is a neutral colour (not typically a 'boy' or 'girl' colour) so it shows equality and their liberal views. Some yellow words at the top such as "brighter!" to connote sun and happiness

- Does the media language present a point of view and has it been constructed? 
- in the main picture, the shot angle is taken below her, making her seen inferior and powerful, highlighting the 'me too campaign' and the rise in female dominance. 

How do the stories reflect the contexts of the 21st century?

1.Identify one story from the contemporary covers that reflects Britain as a multicultural society. 

- In the 20th May newspaper, Megan and Harry reflect Britain as a multicultural society as they are both different races and ethnicities. In this article there is a contrast of black and white in the background which could connote how they are also different races and this shows the guardian is liberal and promotes equality to the British society.

2.Identify one story and one journalist from the contemporary covers that reflects a feminist society.

- the story on the 21st January reflects a feminist society as the story is alongside a picture of a dominate female. The story is about the 'me too campaign' which  is published by a female. This shows the rise in feminism in British society and shows that women are becoming more dominate then they were in the 60's for example.

3.Identify an element from the contemporary covers that reflects a consumerism society.

- one element form the contemporary covers that reflects a consumerism society is subtle 'summer shot special' sibilance which reflects the consumerism society as they are trying to promote food. Nigella magazine - recipes are given to readers.

What stories are present?

- Theresa May is fining greedy bosses who betray their workers

- 'Me Too' campaign to show their equality and liberality

- Trump story to show how they celebrate different countries. Negative destroy shows how they are worse off than we are

What issues are present?

- Feminism and sexism. They included these on the main cover because they believe everyone should be equal and have the right to express themselves

Who is present/absent?

Absent:

- elderly

- children

- white men

- asians

- arabs

Present:

- women. Present on the main image as a counter type to show she is important, emphasised by the low angle shot

- black male

- middle aged women to appeal to their audience, reflecting the magazine in the newspaper which has cooking for women

How have they been represented?

- The woman in the top right is holding a cake which is a stereotype that women belong in the kitchen and should cook every day

- A powerful image of the woman in the main image shows them being powerful which is a countertype of the stereotype that women are inferior. The low angle shot emphasises her power and superiority making her a strong role model for women

How has language and the images been used? What meaning is created?

- The US story uses negative language whereas the rest of the stories use positive language. 

How does this link to contexts of the time?

- There are current issues present such as feminism and sexism. This reflects the contexts of the time as feminism and sexism is a growing problem that is getting increased attention. They report about Donald Trump in a negative way which reflects most of the stories he is associated with.