Introduction to Newspapers

 1) What type of news can you typically find in a tabloid newspaper?

Tabloids typically feature sensationalised news focusing on celebrity gossip, crime, human interest, and sports.

2) What type of news can you typically find in a broadsheet newspaper?

A broadsheet newspaper typically features serious, in-depth news on politics, economics, international affairs, and cultural issues.

3) If someone is left-wing, which political party in the UK are they most likely to support? Which newspapers would they be likely to read?

They are more likely to read the Daily Mirror because it is more suited towards lower class people. left-wing party is on the labour side so they are looking towards parties that support the people and not businesses.

• Left-wing (Socialist): in favour of social equality and reform. The Labour Party is considered left-wing and the Daily Mirror generally supports Labour and left-wing causes.

4) If someone is right-wing, which political party in the UK are they most likely to support? Which newspaper would they be most likely to read?

If some one is right-wing, they are more likely going to support the conservative party or the reform party, where they support private businesses rather than the lower class and lower their taxes. This means they are more likely going to read the Times.

• Right-wing (Conservative): prefer the traditional way things are and in favour of low taxes. The Conservative Party is considered right-wing and the Times generally supports the Conservatives and right-wing causes.

5) Why has there been a decline in newspaper sales in the last 50 years?

The decline in newspaper sales over the last 50 years is due to the rise of digital media, which has fundamentally changed consumer behaviour, reduced advertising revenue, and fragmented the audience. 

 -due to the rise of TV ownership (and news programmes) and, more recently, the growth of digital news through websites and social media.

6) Why is a free press important in a democracy like the UK?

A free press implies that journalists (those that write for newspapers) and newspaper editors can edit content free of intervention from Government influence.  

More than a third of the world’s population live in countries where there is no press freedom. Journalists are often imprisoned if they disagree with the Government, social media channels are not allowed, non-democratic countries often control access to information and employ state-run news organisations.

This allows the people to get the best of knowledge of what is happening and avoid consuming propaganda.