Newspapers: Daily Mirror - Language and Representations

 Language

1) Write the definition of the following key language for newspaper front pages (you may want to add an example for each from our Daily Mirror CSP):

Masthead: title

Pug:  attract the reader's attention and promote specific content such as offers, the paper's price, or issue numbers. eg captions.

Splash Head: main, lead story on the front page, which is designed to grab the reader's attention. It is characterized by the largest headline on the page, often accompanied by a dominant image. 

Slogan: brand identity but in a sentence. its short, and recognisable. 

Dateline: The date it was published

Byline:  the line of text, usually under the headline, that credits the author of the article, stating their name and often their title or affiliation, 

Standfirst: a short, introductory summary of an article, appearing just below the headline but above the main body text, designed to hook the reader by expanding on the headline and previewing key details (who, what, where, when, why) to entice them to read further.

2) What is the main story on the CSP edition of the Daily Mirror (see above)? Make sure you learn the headline and what the story is about.

The scandal about The Fujitsu's computing system and many peoples lives were ruined because of it. people were outraged.
 Fujitsu was aware its Horizon software was faulty and allowed remote access to branches before it was fully rolled out. This information suggests that both Fujitsu and Post Office management knew the system was flawed but proceeded with prosecutions against sub postmasters who appeared to have missing money due to the software errors. 

3) What is the 'pug' or smaller celebrity story on the front cover? Why might it appeal to Daily Mirror readers?

It directs the readers to the main cover story and exclusive shows how important Daily Mirror is.

4) Why is the choice of news stories, content and page design on the Mirror CSP front page typical of a tabloid newspaper?

It has more larger images and smaller images but lesser text and overall writing, the writing uses more emotive texts and even slang which targets lower class people, they include gossip etc.

5) What is the balance on the Daily Mirror front page between images, headlines and text?

The Daily Mirror front page typically uses a tabloid-style layout dominated by a single, large, emotionally charged image. This visual is supported by a bold, often sensationalist headline, with minimal, concise body text, aiming to create an immediate, dramatic impression. The design prioritizes visual engagement and clear political stances. 



Representations

1) What political party does the Daily Mirror support? Is there any evidence to support this in the CSP pages we have studied?

Sales for this demographic were limiting, so the newspaper was re-designed to appeal to a broader audience. Initially to middle-class but later during WW2 changed to target C1-C2-DE skilled and semi-skilled working classes who were affiliated with the Labour party.

The Daily Mirror supports the Labour Party and is against the Conservative Party. Generally, the newspaper will act as a voice for normal people (hence the old slogan 'Fighting For You') and go against the rich and powerful (like the Conservative Party in their row with Gary Lineker).

2) How does the Daily Mirror represent the Post Office in the CSP pages? Why do you think they present them in this way?

They represent them as smug and mischievous in order to create the image that they are happy about the situation and to push that idea that they are the villains in order to outrage the readers.

3) How is Fujitsu represented in the Daily Mirror CSP pages? Look particularly at the use of images on the front cover and the section on Fujitsu on the inside page. Give detailed answers with evidence from the CSP pages.

The red text connotates that they are the villains, the red connoting to the devil and evil and having that intensified by the splash head pushed that idea because of its single emotive word commenting on the leaders of this scandal. 

4) How are the Conservative Party represented in the Daily Mirror? Again, provide evidence from the CSP pages to support your answers.

The Daily Mirror represents the Conservative Party negatively, focusing on themes of incompetence, dishonesty, and being out-of-touch by plastering their smiling faces next to victims and the text focussing on their wrong doings.

5) Read the main articles on the inside pages. How are different people, groups and organisations represented in the Daily Mirror? Does this reinforce or subvert the stereotypes we usually see in the media?

The Daily Mirror typically represents groups by championing working-class interests and supporting the Labour Party, often using strong, critical language against Conservative politicians and corporations. This approach reinforces some stereotypes, such as those depicting a "greedy elite," while subverting others by presenting working-class individuals as empowered and active.