Lesson 1: Introduction to Newspapers

Title: Introduction to Newspapers

Newspaper

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Do Now Task: Identify the term from the description

1) The literal, factual description of what is shown in a media text.

2) The ideas or meanings suggested by what is shown in a media text.

3) A visual technique used to create meaning, such as colour, lighting, or camera angle.

4) The idea that a media text can have more than one meaning for different audiences.

Title: Introduction to Newspapers

Newspaper

​

Do Now Task: Identify the term from the description

1) Denotation

2) Connotation

3) Visual Code

4) Polysemy

WOTL: Newspaper

​​Write down the WOTL

​Example sentence
The newspaper featured a front-page article about the local community’s efforts to combat climate change.

​Write in your exercise book

Definition
A newspaper is a regularly published print or digital media product that provides news, information, and opinions about current events to an audience.

Retrieval

Newspaper

Match

Match the terms

• Refers to the deeper, implied or symbolic meaning behind what is shown or said in a media text—how audiences interpret the media based on cultural, emotional, or social context.

• Refers to the literal, surface-level meaning of a media text, image, or word—what is explicitly shown or said, without any hidden meaning or interpretation.

• A term describing a media text or sign that has multiple possible meanings or interpretations.

Connotation

Denotation

Polysemic

• Connotation

• Denotation

• Polysemic

Match

Match the theory with the definition

• Stories use recurring character roles (like hero, villain, helper) that drive the narrative forward.

• Media texts create mystery by posing questions or withholding information to keep the audience engaged.

• Meaning is constructed through pairs of opposing ideas (good vs evil, male vs female, life vs death), which helps audiences understand conflict and themes more clearly.

Propp's Character Archetype

Barthes' Enigma Codes

Levi-Strauss' Binary Opposition

• Propp's Character Archetype

• Barthes' Enigma Codes

• Levi-Strauss' Binary Opposition

Match

Match the terms and definitions

• Relates to the values, attitudes, and social issues at the time of production.

• Involves the influence of politics, government decisions, and global events.

• Related to money, employment, class, or business issues.

• Refers to the available tools and platforms for production and distribution.

• Refers to the time period and events that shape the world when the media product is created.

Social

Political

Economic

Technological

Historical

• Social

• Political

• Economic

• Technological

• Historical

Match

Match the key terms

• The belief that certain groups or identities possess fixed, inherent characteristics that define their nature or behaviour.

• The process of portraying or treating a person or group as fundamentally different, alien, or inferior to one’s own group, often to reinforce social divisions or stereotypes.

• An oversimplified and commonly repeated representation of a group of people, based on assumptions about traits such as gender, age, ethnicity, class, or occupation.

• When a person is presented or treated as an object for others’ pleasure or use, rather than as a thinking, feeling individual.

Essentialism

Othering

Stereotype

Objectification

• Essentialism

• Othering

• Stereotype

• Objectification

Match

Match the theories

• Media producers decide how people and groups are shown, often using essentialist stereotypes that suggest fixed, natural traits.

• Ethnic minorities are often represented through four key stereotypes in the media: as exotic, dangerous, humorous, or pitied

• Female characters are sexually objectified in media, with the camera focusing on their curves in order gratify the desires of male audiences

Hall

Alvarado

Mulvey

• Hall

• Alvarado

• Mulvey

Success Criteria

Band 3

Band 1: Identify features of a newspaper

Newspaper

Band 1 Feature 1: Type of Newspaper

Newspaper

Types of Newspapers

Broadsheet newspaper

A newspaper that focuses on serious, factual news, uses formal language, and is aimed at a well-educated audience.

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Tabloid newspaper

A newspaper that uses bold headlines, simpler language, and often focuses on sensational stories, celebrities, and human interest; tabloids are commonly known as “red tops” because of their red mastheads.

W

Write down key notes below:

Tabloid Layout and Design

Masthead: The newspaper’s name, often a bold design element, reflects its branding.

Headlines: Short, punchy titles to attract attention. Broadsheets are factual and concise, while tabloids often use emotive or sensational phrasing.

Imagery: Broadsheets use restrained, context-heavy images, whereas tabloids employ eye-catching, often dramatic visuals.

Body: Includes a detailed account of the event or occurrence using simple language

BroadsheetLayout and Design

Masthead: The newspaper’s name, often a bold design element, reflects its branding.

Headlines: Short, punchy titles to attract attention. Broadsheets are factual and concise, while tabloids often use emotive or sensational phrasing.

Imagery: Broadsheets use restrained, context-heavy images, whereas tabloids employ eye-catching, often dramatic visuals.

Body: Includes a detailed account of the event or occurrence using sophisticated language 

Questions

Newspaper

Multiple Choice

Tabloid or Broadsheet?

• Tabloid

• Broadsheet

Multiple Choice

Based on the front page shown, which statement best explains whether this newspaper is a tabloid or a broadsheet?

• This newspaper is a tabloid because it uses a red top masthead, very large and emotive headlines, focuses on celebrity stories and sensational language, and prioritises impact over detailed reporting.

• BroadsheetThis newspaper is a tabloid because it uses formal language, restrained headlines, and focuses mainly on in-depth political analysis.

• This newspaper is a broadsheet because it presents news in a serious, balanced way with minimal images and neutral language.

• This newspaper is a broadsheet because it targets a highly educated audience and avoids emotional or exaggerated language.

Multiple Choice

Tabloid or Broadsheet?

• Tabloid

• Broadsheet

Multiple Choice

Based on the front page shown, which statement best explains whether this newspaper is a tabloid or a broadsheet?

• TabloidThis newspaper is a broadsheet because it focuses on serious political issues, uses formal and factual language, has a structured layout with columns, and avoids sensational or emotive headlines.

• This newspaper is a broadsheet because it uses a red top masthead and bold, dramatic language to attract attention.

• This newspaper is a tabloid because it prioritises celebrity stories, emotional language, and simplified reporting.

• This newspaper is a tabloid because it uses oversized headlines and informal language to shock the reader.

Multiple Choice

Tabloid or Broadsheet?

• Tabloid

• Broadsheet

Multiple Choice

Based on the front page shown, which statement best explains whether this newspaper is a tabloid or a broadsheet?

• This newspaper is a tabloid because it has a red top masthead, uses large, emotive headlines, focuses on sport and human interest, and uses simple, direct language to appeal to a mass audience.

• This newspaper is a tabloid because it uses long columns of detailed political analysis and a formal, neutral tone.

• This newspaper is a broadsheet because it prioritises serious political reporting and avoids emotional language.

• This newspaper is a broadsheet because it targets a highly educated audience and limits the use of images.

Multiple Choice

Tabloid or Broadsheet?

• Tabloid

• Broadsheet

Multiple Select

Based on the front page shown, which statements explain why this newspaper is a broadsheet?
Select all that apply.

• The newspaper prioritises serious political and public interest stories, such as NHS reform and party leadership.

• The layout uses structured columns, smaller headlines, and dense text, which are typical conventions of broadsheet newspapers.

• The language used is generally formal and factual, rather than sensational or emotive.

• The newspaper uses a red top masthead and oversized, dramatic headlines to shock the reader.

• The newspaper mainly focuses on celebrity gossip and human-interest stories over politics and current affairs.

Multiple Choice

Tabloid or Broadsheet?

• Tabloid

• Broadsheet

Multiple Select

Based on the front page shown, which statements explain why this newspaper is a broadsheet?
Select all that apply.

• The newspaper focuses on serious political and social issues, such as government responsibility and public care.

• The layout uses structured columns, smaller headlines, and dense blocks of text to prioritise information over visual impact.

• The language used in headlines is generally formal and factual, avoiding sensational or exaggerated phrasing.

• The newspaper uses a red top masthead and bold, emotive language to shock the reader.

• Celebrity and entertainment stories dominate the front page and are given more importance than news and politics.

Multiple Choice

Tabloid or Broadsheet?

• Tabloid

• Broadsheet

Multiple Select

Based on the front page shown, which statements explain why this newspaper is tabloid in style?
Select all that apply.

• The newspaper uses very large, bold headlines to communicate key stories quickly and clearly.

• The layout prioritises impact and accessibility, with short articles, strong images, and minimal dense text.

• The newspaper is designed for quick, easy reading, aimed at a mass audience such as commuters.

• The newspaper uses a red top masthead, which is a defining feature of tabloid newspapers.

• The newspaper relies on long columns of detailed analysis and formal language typical of broadsheets.

Multiple Choice

Tabloid or Broadsheet?

• Tabloid

• Broadsheet

Multiple Select

Based on the front page shown, which statements explain why this newspaper is a broadsheet?
Select all that apply.

• The newspaper focuses on business, finance, and international politics, such as banking strategy and global markets.

• The layout uses structured columns, smaller headlines, and dense text to prioritise detailed information.

• The language is formal and specialist, using economic and political terminology rather than emotive or sensational phrasing.

• The newspaper uses a red top masthead and oversized headlines to attract attention quickly.

• The front page prioritises celebrity gossip and human-interest stories over serious news.

Multiple Choice

Tabloid or Broadsheet?

• Tabloid

• Broadsheet

Multiple Select

Based on the front page shown, which statements explain why this newspaper is a tabloid?
Select all that apply.

• The newspaper uses a 'red top' masthead, which is a common feature of tabloid newspapers.

• The front page relies on large, bold headlines designed to grab attention quickly.

• There is a strong focus on sport, lifestyle, and human-interest stories rather than in-depth political analysis.

• The layout prioritises emotional appeal and visual impact, using large images to attract readers.

• The newspaper presents news using formal language, dense columns, and restrained imagery typical of broadsheets.

Band 1 Feature 2: Key Elements of Print Media (Refresher)

Newspaper

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Masthead

​Masthead – the name of the newspaper or magazine, usually at the top of the front page.– the name of the newspaper or magazine, usually at the top of the front page.

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Strapline

Strapline – a short slogan near the masthead that sums up the newspaper’s values or purpose.

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Skyline

Skyline – a strip across the top of the front page used to promote extra stories or supplements.

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Coverline

Coverline – a headline on the front page that advertises stories inside the newspaper.

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Main Headline

Main Headline – the largest and most important headline, linked to the main story of the day.

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Main Article

Main Article – the most important news story on the front page, usually linked to the main headline.

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Anchorage

Anchorage – words such as captions or headlines that explain an image and guide how the audience understands it.

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Main Image

Main Image – the largest or most eye-catching photograph on the front page, linked to the main story.

Questioning

Newspaper

Labelling

Correctly label the newspaper

Drag labels to their correct position on the image

Main Image

Main Headline

Skyline

Masthead

Coverline

Anchorage

Strapline

Main Article

Labelling

Correctly label the newspaper

Drag labels to their correct position on the image

Masthead

Main Image

Strapline

Main Article

Anchorage

Coverline

Main Headline

Skyline

Labelling

Correctly label the newspaper

Drag labels to their correct position on the image

Main Article

Main Headline

Main Image

Anchorage

Skyline

Strapline

Coverline

Masthead

Labelling

Correctly label the newspaper

Drag labels to their correct position on the image

Anchorage

Coverline

Main Image

Skyline

Masthead

Strapline

Main Article

Main Headline

Labelling

Correctly label the newspaper

Drag labels to their correct position on the image

Main Article

Anchorage

Main Headline

Coverline

Skyline

Strapline

Main Image

Masthead

Labelling

Correctly label the newspaper

Drag labels to their correct position on the image

Main Article

Anchorage

Main Headline

Strapline

Coverline

Main Image

Skyline

Masthead

Labelling

Correctly label the newspaper

Drag labels to their correct position on the image

Main Image

Anchorage

Coverline

Masthead

Main Article

Main Headline

Strapline

Skyline

Labelling

Correctly label the newspaper

Drag labels to their correct position on the image

Strapline

Main Article

Anchorage

Main Headline

Skyline

Coverline

Masthead

Main Image

Band 2: Linking to connotations

Newspaper

How Tabloids Use Text and Typography to Create Meaning

Text – Tabloids use simple, emotive words and short sentences to create drama and make stories easy to understand and engaging for a mass audience.

Typography – Tabloids use large, bold fonts and capital letters to grab attention, emphasise importance, and create a sense of urgency or excitement.

W

Write down key notes below:

T​ext
The words and language used in a media product to communicate information and ideas.

Typography
The style, size, and appearance of the text, including font choice and how it is arranged.

How Broadsheets Use Text and Typography to Create Meaning

Text – Broadsheets use formal, factual language to inform the audience and present news in a serious and detailed way.

Typography – Broadsheets use smaller, more restrained fonts and clear layouts to prioritise information over visual impact.

W

Write down key notes below:

T​ext
The words and language used in a media product to communicate information and ideas.

Typography
The style, size, and appearance of the text, including font choice and how it is arranged.

Questioning

Newspaper

Multiple Select

How does this newspaper use text and typography to create meaning?

• Uses simple, emotive words and short sentences to create drama and make stories easy to understand and engaging for a mass audience.

• Uses large, bold fonts and capital letters to grab attention, emphasise importance, and create a sense of urgency or excitement.

• Uses formal, factual language to inform the audience and present news in a serious and detailed way.

• Uses smaller, more restrained fonts and clear layouts to prioritise information over visual impact.

Multiple Select

How does this newspaper use text and typography to create meaning?

• Uses simple, emotive words and short sentences to create drama and make stories easy to understand and engaging for a mass audience.

• Uses large, bold fonts and capital letters to grab attention, emphasise importance, and create a sense of urgency or excitement.

• Uses formal, factual language to inform the audience and present news in a serious and detailed way.

• Uses smaller, more restrained fonts and clear layouts to prioritise information over visual impact.

Multiple Select

How does this newspaper use text and typography to create meaning?

• Uses simple, emotive words and short sentences to create drama and make stories easy to understand and engaging for a mass audience.

• Uses large, bold fonts and capital letters to grab attention, emphasise importance, and create a sense of urgency or excitement.

• Uses formal, factual language to inform the audience and present news in a serious and detailed way.

• Uses smaller, more restrained fonts and clear layouts to prioritise information over visual impact.

Multiple Select

How does this newspaper use text and typography to create meaning?

• Uses simple, emotive words and short sentences to create drama and make stories easy to understand and engaging for a mass audience.

• Uses large, bold fonts and capital letters to grab attention, emphasise importance, and create a sense of urgency or excitement.

• Uses formal, factual language to inform the audience and present news in a serious and detailed way.

• Uses smaller, more restrained fonts and clear layouts to prioritise information over visual impact.

Multiple Select

How does this newspaper use text and typography to create meaning?

• Uses simple, emotive words and short sentences to create drama and make stories easy to understand and engaging for a mass audience.

• Uses large, bold fonts and capital letters to grab attention, emphasise importance, and create a sense of urgency or excitement.

• Uses formal, factual language to inform the audience and present news in a serious and detailed way.

• Uses smaller, more restrained fonts and clear layouts to prioritise information over visual impact.

Multiple Select

How does this newspaper use text and typography to create meaning?

• Uses simple, emotive words and short sentences to create drama and make stories easy to understand and engaging for a mass audience.

• Uses large, bold fonts and capital letters to grab attention, emphasise importance, and create a sense of urgency or excitement.

• Uses formal, factual language to inform the audience and present news in a serious and detailed way.

• Uses smaller, more restrained fonts and clear layouts to prioritise information over visual impact.

Multiple Select

How does this newspaper use text and typography to create meaning?

• Uses simple, emotive words and short sentences to create drama and make stories easy to understand and engaging for a mass audience.

• Uses large, bold fonts and capital letters to grab attention, emphasise importance, and create a sense of urgency or excitement.

• Uses formal, factual language to inform the audience and present news in a serious and detailed way.

• Uses smaller, more restrained fonts and clear layouts to prioritise information over visual impact.

Application

Newspaper

Application - Band 3 Media Language

Write down and answer the question: How does The Sun newspaper's front cover use media language to create meaning?

Sucess Criteria:
Band 1: Described features of the text

Band 2: Linked your description to connotations

Band 3: Used correct subject specific terminology
[CHALLENGE 1] Do this for all features of the newspaper
[CHALLENGES 2] Apply media theory

Band 2: Connotations
Authority – suggests the newspaper is important and trustworthy.

Credibility – implies the information is reliable and factual.

Seriousness – suggests important issues are being reported.

Drama – creates excitement, tension, or conflict.

Urgency – suggests the story is important and needs attention now.

Band 3: Subject Specific Terminology
Denotation – the literal, factual description of what is shown or written.

Connotation – the implied meanings or ideas suggested to the audience.
Polysemy – the idea that a text can be interpreted in different ways by different audiences.
Visual codes – visual elements such as images, colour, layout, and composition used to create meaning.

Typography – the style, size, and appearance of text used to communicate meaning.

Band 1 Features:
Type of Newspaper
Masthead
Skyline
Strapline
Coverline
Main Headline
Main Article
Main Image
Anchorage

Review and Feedback - Band 3 Media Language Part 1

Denotatively, The Sun is a tabloid newspaper, which immediately suggests it focuses on bold, accessible stories rather than detailed analysis. This connotes drama and urgency, as tabloids aim to entertain and provoke strong emotional responses from readers.

The masthead, “The Sun”, is placed at the top of the page in a large red top design. The bold typography and red colour connote urgency and drama, as red is associated with danger and excitement. This also signals to the audience that the newspaper is informal and sensational rather than serious or neutral.

The skyline advertises promotions and offers, such as cheap holidays. This use of informal language and bright colours connotes accessibility, suggesting the newspaper is aimed at everyday readers and focused on value rather than elite audiences.

The strapline, “The People’s Paper”, positions The Sun as speaking on behalf of ordinary people. This connotes authority and credibility for some readers, as it suggests the paper represents public opinion. However, this can be read polysemically, as other audiences may interpret it as biased or populist.

In green pen compare your answer to the below. Tick those that match, add those that differ.

Review and Feedback - Band 3 Media Language Part 2

The coverlines use emotive language such as “Banished” and “Sacked”, which connotes drama and blame. These words encourage readers to take a clear moral position, showing how tabloids simplify complex political issues.

The main headline, “TRAITORIES”, is extremely large and bold. Through typography, the capital letters and gold colouring make the headline dominant, which connotes seriousness and urgency, suggesting betrayal is a major issue that demands attention.
The main article beneath the headline gives limited detail, prioritising impact over explanation. This reinforces the tabloid style and connotes drama rather than credibility, encouraging readers to respond emotionally rather than analytically.

The main image shows three figures dressed in dark, cloak-like clothing. Denotatively, this is a staged photograph. Through visual codes such as costume, facial expression, and composition, the image connotes villainy and betrayal, linking to the headline. This visual framing clearly positions the individuals as “traitors”.

Anchorage is provided by the headline and captions, which guide the audience’s interpretation of the image. Without this anchorage, the image could be interpreted differently, demonstrating polysemy. However, the text strongly directs the reader towards a negative reading.

In green pen compare your answer to the below. Tick those that match, add those that differ.

End of Lesson

Newspaper