The Mirror Flashcards
(43 cards)
When was the mirror established?
1903
Who does it target?
predominantly working-class readership and adopts a traditional left-wing political stance
Who is rg rival paper and in what way?
The Sun - right wing
What is the slogan and what des it suggest?
The heart of britain. Suggests stands up for the ordinary person and is a key part of the social and cultural life of the UK
What is the context of the set edition?
critical of the way the Conservative government has been handling the Coronavirus pandemic
What is the political context?
scandal surrounding allegations regarding parties and social gatherings held by the Conservative Party at a time when its leaders had enforced lock down
When was the story first reported by the Mirror and what did that lead to?
November 2021 and alleged that during the lockdown over the Christmas period in 2020, parties had been held at Downing Street, some of which had been attended by the Prime Minister Boris Johnson. This led to an inquiry being undertaken by senior civil servant Sue Gray, the results of which were published in January 2022.
What are the origins of the term partygate?
The suffix ‘gate’ was first used in the ‘Watergate’ scandal in the US in the early 1970s which resulted in the resignation of President Richard Nixon. It has since been used to suggest a far-reaching scandal, usually related to politics or government
What s being reported?
it was reported that Sue Gray had revealed that the Metropolitan Police were investigating several possible breaches of lockdown by No 10 and Boris Johnson had
refused calls for his resignation
How does it fit with the Mirror’s stance?
The choice to focus on this particular story also reinforces a common social theme for this newspaper – ‘us VS them’, the idea that the government has issued rules that they feel they do not have to abide by
What is the plug?
The newspaper’s plug also reflects a cultural context, advertising a feature on the Platinum Jubilee and reinforcing the cultural heritage of the UK
What does the layout connote?
The layout and design are conventional of this style of newspaper, which is generally image led rather than text led. The masthead is bold and recognisable as a red top, tabloid newspaper. The typography chosen is strong, and the name of the newspaper conveys messages about how the paper may ‘hold a mirror’ up to what is taking place in society
How is the headline dramatic?
The headline is brief and dramatic, typical of the paper’s style, and uses emotive language such as ‘Zero Shame’. The strapline ‘Gray Report Fallout’ sums up the context of the story with negative connotations.
How is the image significant?
The image of Boris Johnson dominates the front page and anchors the headline – he appears unconcerned. The newspaper reinforces this viewpoint with the inclusion of the caption ‘I’M NOT GOING’ suggesting his failure to take responsibility for what has happened. The caption accompanying the image of the Labour leader Keir Starmer is ‘Crushing’, reinforcing the left-wing stance of the newspaper.
How is the language emotive?
Boris Johnson labelled as ‘shameless’
How is the mode of address direct?
The mode of address is direct, using colloquialisms such as ‘cops’ and ‘lockdown
bashes’ to engage with the target readership.
Describe the layout of the double page spread
busy and eyecatching;
it incorporates a range of different newspaper features including the editorial, a letter, personal direct quotations, a cartoon, and large images, as well as the central story.
It is relatively unusual to have all these features on the same page, suggesting the story’s importance
What is used to connote the political allegiance of the paper?
The subheading, pull quote and Kier Starmer’s name are also in a red palette, connoting the political allegiance of the newspaper
How is the double page spread emotive?
The headline is large and emotive echoing the front-page headline with the repetition of the word ‘shame’ conveying the values and beliefs of the newspaper and its opinion of what has happened
How are the images dramatic and emotive?
The central images are emotive and dramatic, juxtaposing the scene from the hospital ward with one of the prime minister smirking, looking furtive and holding a glass of wine. The selection of these particular images further reinforces the point that members of the government broke the rules while people were suffering
What is the tone of the piece?
This tone is supported using direct quotations from ordinary people (who this newspaper represents) telling their own tragic Covid-19 stories. The pull quotes in this section, emphasised using large quotation marks, use language that conveys the feeling of the newspaper: ‘continues to lie,’, ‘a mockery’.
How does the labguage used villify the govt?
The language used across the double page spread vilifies the government and their actions.
Binary opposites are used to reinforce the point – ‘quiet dignity’ set against ‘lying bombast’.
The editorial ‘The Voice of The Mirror’ is more opinion led, which can be seen in the stand first: Boris Johnson is prepared to destroy everything and everybody around him to survive at all
costs.’
What symbols are used to convey meaning?
the colour red and the codes of clothing, including the nurses’ protective clothing and the wine glass, convey meaning in relation to the story
How is the image of Bris used to represent events?
The choice of the image of Boris Johnson focuses on his code of expression
and the anchor of the caption.
He has been criticised previously for his ‘smirk’ and here the newspaper has selected an image with this expression, reinforced by the caption ‘I’m Not Going’ which connotes his seemingly uncaring attitude. This selection and combination of images and text conveys the attitudes and beliefs of the newspaper whose political allegiance of left wing is suggested by the more active image of Kier Starmer and the anchor ‘Crushing’, refering to the way he dealth with Johnson in the Commons
