The Times - Language and Audience

 Language

1) What is the main story on the front cover of the Times CSP edition (26 April 2019) and why does it appeal to Times readers?

The main story on the front of the Times is about 'fee-paying schools save taxpayers £20 billion' this might appeal to Times readers as they are wealthier and can afford fee paying schools

2) List the other news stories and kickers on the front page of the Times CSP edition. Why do you think the Times selected these for the front page?

The story of the royal family this could appeal to Times audience as it is part of a classic British culture. 

3) What are the main stories on the inside pages of the Times CSP edition and how are they constructed to appeal to Times readers? 

The main story inside is about the royal family and their families dispute. They are constructed in a formal way to show the respect. Whereas, in the Daily Mirror the royals are shown as just a normal family.

4) Which of Galtung and Ruge's News Values apply to the Times's front page stories? Write about both the main story on private schools and the government leak enquiry.

 

5) What does a close analysis of the news stories in the Times CSP edition suggest about the Times's political beliefs?
The Times is right-wing and supports the Conservative Party. It is generally against the left-wing Labour Party. The Times newspaper will act as a voice for the establishment (the wealthy and powerful) and will not support anything that threatens major changes to the status quo.

Audience

1) What is the main readership demographic for The Times newspaper? Add as much detail as you can.

 The ABC1 social classes - and largely the A or B groups within that group. This means Times readers are likely to be professionals, managers or company owners. They are likely to be in the Succeeder psychographic group. From ages 55+

2) What aspects of the front page of the Times CSP edition suggest that their readers are likely to be more educated and interested in hard news rather than entertainment?

The front page has bedroom secrets which would apply more to older generations as they wi need to spend more time there.

3) Times readers are mostly over 55 years old. Why is this and how is this reflected by the new stories and kickers in the CSP pages we have studied?  

The Times readers are mostly 55+ this could be as we know live in a world of technology and the older generations are less likely to use technology so they rely on things like newspapers for their news. And the news stories are about the royals which could concern 55+ rather than younger.

4) What is the main audience pleasure offered by the Times? Use Blumler & Katz Uses and Gratifications theory.

formation about British politics (inquiry) and British Royal family (patriotic). Information about fee-paying schools also suggests education is important to the target audience 

We want to be entertained.

Information about royals who are seen as an important part of British culture and also access to cultural ‘hotspots’ for leisure and house tips. This targets people with disposable income and an interest in culture/status and how they are perceived. 

The Times newspaper seems to endorse the Conservative party and show their strong affiliation with the political party by phrasing the story with ‘top ministers deny security leak’. The placing of value on an education would be a belief shared by readers who attended, or have sent their kids to, independent schools.

5) Why might a reader enjoy this CSP edition of the Times? Use Blumler & Katz Uses and Gratifications theory categories and write as detailed an analysis as you can.