newspaper analysis

Analysing Local Newspapers

Key Terminology

barcode

gimmicks

secondary lead

typeface

lead story

headlines

punsslogans

puffs

display admenu

columns small/line ad

typeface

lead story

headlinespuns

display ad

columns

Identifying Conventions of a Local Newspaper

menu

Oxford TimesContent: There are a variety of areas covered within this local newspaper; such as, music, wildlife, theatre, local news, and

art. In terms of the voice, the appear is written formally , although there are times at which the paper aims to connect with

the readers better through the use of opinions and somewhat colloquial phrases. What is most evident about this paper is

the variety, with stories ranging from science to local community events. It may

be that this paper is trying to reflect modern day culture, predominantly.Images: There are images used and

incorporated into the main articles, most of which depict people. The image sizes vary, although there is the use of a large image to support the lead story; in this way an identity is being assigned to the article.

The images are not overly professional or stylised, generally, rather they seem to depict reality accurately. The images are ordered as though to appear as though

they are framed, but some of the images extend their frame.

Adverts: This newspaper only features one advert on the first two pages, which is

advertising a local offer. However throughout the rest of the paper i have

found many adverts, the majority of which are advertising music events, the theatre,

fares and auctions.


typeface

lead storyheadlines

display ad

columns

menusecondary lead

Content: The content is aimed at the local audience and is adult focused; this is

evident through the material covered such as property pages, job vacancies, and the

fact that the cover story itself is addressing serious matters. There is only one cover story, whilst two articles are advertised

with the relevant page numbers. The voice of the paper is formal, although there is the

opportunity to write in to the paper as a member of the community, this appears to be more informal. On the whole, the paper covers a broad range of topics, including; crime, charity work, business, animals,

cinema, etc.Images: Again the images used are

depicting people, whilst being placed amongst the articles. The image sizes vary, although there is the use of a large image

to support the lead story. The images appear to be fairly unprofessional due to

what is being pictured and the backgrounds used The images on the cover extend their frames, however throughout the rest of the paper the imaged used are

fit squarely beside blocks of text.Adverts: This newspaper features many

adverts which cover a wide range of areas such as; jobs, self-storage, local venues to hire, schools, housing, etc. The choice of adverts featured highlights the audience

being mostly adults.

Leighton Buzzard Observer

secondary lead

typeface

lead story

headlinesslogans

puffs

display ad

columns

small/line ad


London MetroThe content in this newspaper is very varied; including from politics, sports,

arts, local events, celebrity gossip, etc. The audience for the magazine is

commuters, meaning the audience is likely include young people and adults, this is evident through the wide range

of areas covered.All the images on the cover depict one

person, with images appearing relatively professionally. Overall, the

voice of the newspaper is formal, with aspects of informality present within the gossip pages. Within articles the images are squarely framed by blocks of text. Circular frames appear on the cover,

placed within a large rectangular strip. Images depicting celebrities have no

background, they appear in front of or surrounding text. There are many fonts and colours used, some of which appear

to be sophisticated whilst others are more “fun”. The paper also uses many

font sizes. The articles are predominantly written in black ink in an

easy to read font.

newspaper analysis

Education