The Times

Question 1

What does the masthead “The Times” connote?

Answer 1

“The Times” connotes the content covers current affairs. The serif font implies sophistication and tradition.

Question 2

Why is the coat of arms included on the front cover?

Answer 2

To further implicate historic and traditional values.

Question 3

How do the captions “How to be fit” and “Do the bare minimum” represent the British public?

Answer 3

While creating a sense of relatability, it implies people are in need of quick fixes and represents people to be lazy.

Question 4

The image of a dog and its caption “I was bitten by a pandemic puppy” is what type of news story?

Answer 4

Soft news, reflects the context of covid and its unsociable nature.

Question 5

What is the main image on the cover?

Answer 5

Close up of Boris Johnson. The image is unflattering and his facial codes suggest he is uncomfortable and ashamed, while lacking confidence.

Question 6

What was said by Sue Gray in the pull quote?

Answer 6

“too little thought… there were failures of leadership and judgement by different parts of No.10”

Question 7

What political standpoint does The Times take?

Answer 7

Neutral, although in this paper they appear to acknowledge mistakes made by the right (conservatives).

Question 8

The Times paper has to be seen to do what? (Politically)

Answer 8

Reflect the public opinion. In this case, the public were angry with Boris and the pandemic rule breaking.

Question 9

What technique is used within Sue Gray’s pull quotes to suggest issues at No.10 are ongoing?

Answer 9

The use of ellipses…

Question 10

What does the headline say on the front cover, and what does it imply?

Answer 10

“Police investigate PM’s four lockdown parties” The use of the number “four” implies the severity of the situation and puts emphasis on the amount of rule breaking.

Question 11

What does the subheading say on the cover?

Answer 11

“Detectives examining hundreds of photos” The use of facts and statistics helps to persuade the audience.

Question 12

Why does the paper use quotes from people of different political parties?

Answer 12

To imply that the whole of parliament are shocked and disappointed.

Question 13

How does the quote “drinking culture” represent the conservatives?

Answer 13

Out of control, lazy, unprofessional and self indulgent.

Question 14

How can the mode of address and language of the Times paper be described?

Answer 14

Serious and formal mode of address, no colloquialisms. The serious toe reflects that it’s a broadsheet paper.

Question 15

What are jump lines and why are they used on the front cover of The Times?

Answer 15

Small stories at the bottom that engage the audience further. They also come with the page numbers.

Question 16

What is Boris’ code of dress in the main image?

Answer 16

Smart suit and tie to imply professionalism and wealth.

Question 17

What is the term for the banner at the top of the page that includes the dog and fitness images? “How to be fit? Do the bare minimum”

Answer 17

The plug, its purpose is to broaden the audience with lighter news and reflects cultural contexts with an emphasis on lifestyle.

Question 18

Who publishes The Times?

Answer 18

Times Newspapers

Question 19

Who owns Times Newspapers?

Answer 19

News UK

Question 20

News UK is a subsidiary of which conglomerate?

Answer 20

News Corp

Question 21

Why is News Corp so powerful and resourceful?

Answer 21

The conglomerate is highly diversified and is both horizontally and vertically integrated.

Question 22

What are the benefits of being a vertically and horizontally integrated company, in relation to newspapers?

Answer 22

You can afford to take risks, such as having a paywall on your website due to having a large amount of money at your disposal. You can also share journalists and resources amongst newspapers- or even bend and twist the rulebook (phone hacking scandal).

Question 23

What does the pull quote on the cover of The Times say?

Answer 23

“There were failures of leadership and judgement by different parts of No.10…”

Question 24

What social class group does The Times target?

Answer 24

ABC1

Question 25

How does The Times describe itself?

Answer 25

“…authoritative, credible, responsible, trusted and part of the nation’s cultural heritage.”

Question 26

How does The Times address the events of the parliament parties?

Answer 26

It isn’t explicitly critical of the government on this front page, but demonstrates an aim to accurately present the news and its effect on society.

Question 27

What can be said by the coat of arms within the masthead of The Times?

Answer 27

• The lion and unicorn are symbols appearing on the heraldic crests.
• The slogan ‘Dieu et Mon Droit’, God and My Right, dates to King Richard 1st.
• This royal crest has been used since 1785, reflecting a long history and tradition- symbolic of England.

Question 28

What is the strap-line on the cover of The Times?

Answer 28

“Detectives examining hundreds of photos, Gray criticises leadership and drinking culture”

Question 29

How does Boris Johnson’s code of expression work alongside the pull quote?

Answer 29

Johnson appears to be sheepish and aware of his wrong doings. It connotes that there is a sense of acknowledgment and embarrassment.

Question 30

How is the event represented on the cover of The Times?

Answer 30

Unlike a red top, the selection and combination of images and language constructs a subtly negative representation. The tone is less aggressive and utilises factual evidence, the images present Boris to realise the impact of his actions.

Question 31

Why do The Times choose to mediate events in the way they do?

Answer 31

To reflect “political neutrality” and to appeal to their target audience based on the majority view. The audience are positioned to consider the facts and left to make their own decision.