The Sun Flashcards
(4 cards)
Media Language
Masthead: Red and white block text – a typical ‘red top’ style used for tabloid papers.
Tabloid Conventions: Emotive language, simplified issues, sensationalism, celebrity focus.
Headline Example: “Join our jabs army” – imperative verb + military metaphor for Covid vaccine volunteers.
Imagery: Big Ben’s clock face with a vaccine needle – urgency, national pride.
Puff Design: Heart-shaped with Union Jack – emotional appeal, patriotism.
Celebrity Endorsements: Gary Lineker (trust), Kate Garraway (emotional/personal appeal).
Direct Address: “The Sun says…”, “YOU” – creates personal connection, authority.
Off-lead Story: Pro-Boris, pro-Brexit message (“PM: Britain Brexpects”) – patriotic, optimistic tone.
Representation & Contexts
Covid-19: Represented as an ‘enemy’; vaccine as a way to ‘fight’ – war metaphors.
Patriotism: Union Jack, Big Ben, references to British history and unity.
Vaccination: Shown as urgent, positive, patriotic – reinforced with visuals and celebrities.
Brexit: Shown positively – aligns with The Sun’s right-wing, pro-Conservative stance.
Militaristic Language: Common in UK media – “heroes,” “battle,” “frontline”.
Media Industries
Ownership: Owned by News UK, part of Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp.
Regulation: Self-regulated under IPSO (Independent Press Standards Organisation).
Revenue Sources:
- Print Ads + Sales
- Advertorials (ads disguised as news)
- Digital Ads
- Diversification (e.g. Sun Bingo, Sun Bets)
Digital Platforms: Website (free), digital edition app (£4.99/week), Apple News, social media.
Decline in Print: Circulation falling, digital engagement rising (e.g. 6 million daily online users).
Cross-Platform Strategy: Free Apple News articles, social media presence, Sun+ promotions.
Target Audiences
Mostly C2DE, working-class
Print readers: mostly male, aged 45–64
Online readers: mostly aged under 34
