Introduction to the times and constructing representations

Tabloid vs. Broadsheet differences:

• Broadsheet uses smaller font, to fit more information on the page.
• The broadsheet uses more calming colours, whereas the tabloid uses alarming colours.
• The tabloid uses playful language, whereas the broadsheet uses formal language.
• Broadsheet uses a plainer layout, and the tabloid uses a bold layout.

Polysemy - not everything has a single meaning. In newspapers however producers typically try to avoid polysemic readings. 

Anchoring - the fixing of a particular meaning to a media text, often through the use of captions. The process of forcing an audience in to a particular reading.

Bias - inclination or prejudice for or against one person or group, especially in a way considered to be unfair.

Agenda - a list of items to be discussed at a formal meeting. 

The STUDY OF REPRESENTATION looks at:

1. The group, place or issue on which a media text is focusing.

2. The technical devices the media text uses in order to present these groups or issues.

3. The message about the group or issue in the text being created.

4. The impact of this message on the target audience.