The Times Section A Media language Codes Conventions

The Times

Section A – Media language Codes & Conventions: • The contemporary audience could assumed to be familiar with the codes and convention of Broadsheet newspapers and the sensationalised mode of address that these newspaper present. • Mode of Address tends to be formal (using detailed descriptions and multiple opinion-based quotations), serious tone and indirectly addresses the reader, preferring to offer all sides to debate / discussion, allowing them to make their own judgements.

Code and conventions 'WRAPAROUND' COVER: The Times chose to use an image across both the front and back pages of Trump celebrating his victory against a backdrop of the American flag. This emphasises the importance of the news story which adorns it. A format such as this subverts the conventions of a broadsheet newspaper normally packed with text heavy copy and smaller photographs. The simple yet effective giant photo with minimal textual anchorage appeals more than a thousand words, in this case. This use of American iconography (giant background American flag, US Flag badges, etc. ) establishes the cultural context of the story and connotes patriotism. Trump and Mike Pence, the Vice President, are positioned in a medium close up shot on either side of the frame with Trump in the foreground (being the most dominant of the two he is, after all, THE president), and Pence flanking him in the background. On the wraparound cover, Trump is on the front, Pence is situated on the back a possible signifier as to their working relationship when dealing with the public? • Codes of dress connote a business approach (both figures are renowned within the corporate and law industries in their respective pre political careers) with both men dressed in black (smart sophisticated) suits but wearing red and blue ties which again reflect American iconography. The US flag badges pinned onto their suits further reinforces this perceived commitment to their country. • The body language of the two men demonstrates an emotive response with Pence applauding Trump and the president clenching his right fist in triumphant celebration. This clearly identifies Pence as the subordinate to Trumps confident (possibly bordering on smug? ) persons. • The minimal copy (text) on the front cover is in white like the masthead (The Times is normally black) and simply states The New World: Donald Trump sends shockwaves around the Globe. This statement is powerful but maintains a neutral approach (no language which may position the reader to support / criticise the presidential election outcome) which encourages readers to establish their own viewpoint.

Cultural context: Donald Trump achieved one of the most improbable political victories in modern US history, despite a series of controversies exposed during the election campaign, his extreme policies that drew criticism from both sides of the political spectrum, a record of racist and sexist behaviour, and a lack of political experience. Mike Pence is the Vice President of the US, previously a republican politician and lawyer. He was a governor of Indiana from 2013 to 2017 and a member of the United States House of Representatives from 2001 to 2013.

Representation

Product context • The Times newspaper is a British national ‘quality’ Broadsheet daily newspaper first published in 1785, and aimed a predominantly at upper middle to upper class readership, it follows a fairly just right wing of centre (Conservative supporting) political stance, but has supported Labour on several occasions during British General Elections too – most recently in 2005. • This edition was published on the 10 th November 2016 following the unprecedented high-profile American election campaign which was eventually won by Republican Donald Trump, a 70 -year-old billionaire famous for appearing on reality TV show The Apprentice. • The Times is famous for having a range of journalists with varied political viewpoints which allows the newspaper to offer a more neutral political stance on Trump’s victory.

Theoretical approaches Stuart Hall’s Theory of Representation The representation of Trump and his Vice President are constructed, using media language to create meaning for the audience. The use of these ‘signs’ by the newspaper suggest that Trump and his team belong to a specific cultural group of predominantly white, middle class men. David Gauntlett’s Theory of Identity Trump could be a role model according to the neutral stance taken by the Times – essentially this ‘New World’ the front cover mentions in its could be a good one. As opposed to the subjective tone of the Daily Mirror the Times’ adopts a more objective approach, allowing the reader to make their own assessments of Donald Trumps policies and motivations. Essentially there is some sense of optimism gong forward – it is not all negative, but instead somewhat impartial and fair.

Theoretical approaches Stereotype Theory – Tessa Perkins Newspaper has tried to avoid pandering to obvious stereotypes, through a lack of leading text to reinforce their existence. As a largely objective quality newspaper the Times is often renowned for using facts and multiple viewpoints to create a more well-rounded observation of events. The representation of Trump here is intentionally vague and neutral as presented to the reader, and does not guarantee a negative reading, but perhaps a more ambivalent one. • BUT. . You could also suggest that Trump himself is a figurehead for a modern stereotype born from the greedy Wall Street yuppies of the 80 s evolving considerably via his own exaggerated representation through broadcast media such as the Apprentice USA and his (much maligned) ridiculous appearances on WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) before ultimately becoming President of the United States of America.

Theoretical approaches Semiotics – Roland Barthes The use of American iconography throughout the front and back pages and the use of the American flag as a backdrop will have immediate cultural significance for the reader who will be able to create meaning in the associations they have with these signs. Structuralism – Claude Levi-Strauss The use of the headline ‘The New World’ positioned over Trump’s jacket invites readers to question what the impact of Trump’s presidency may be, which is reiterated through the use of the subheading “Donald Trump sends shockwaves around the Globe’

Theoretical approaches Hermeneutic coding – Ronald Barthes Enigma code is created via the headlines mysterious reference to ‘the New World’. What is it? Icon / Index / Symbol – Charles Peirce