Codes & Conventions of Newspapers

The Codes and Conventions

Most newspapers contain similar, if not the same conventions as each other and this even includes between Tabloid newspapers (The Sun) and Broadsheet Newspapers (The Times). Typically, the broadsheet papers will appeal to the audience in different ways, as although they have similar conventions, they are given more space, which makes them clearer and standout better. An example of this is using the names of the journalists on their stories. A lot of regular readers of the newspaper will look out for certain writers as they enjoy their styles and think of them as a reliable source. Some people may even buy the newspaper specifically because they have a favourite writer. This could be considered similar to people choosing a film because they like one of the actors involved in it. Generally, broadsheet papers include more detail. This will include captions that explain the content of an image so that it is interpreted correctly by the readers or subheadings included in the main body of the text to break it up and maybe put emphasis on a certain fact of figure.

Tabloids contain features that are used by them and not broadsheets as well, as they are appealing to a different type of audience. This includes 'Pugs' which are an advert included by the paper that advertises a competition or the price of the paper which will stand out and entice people to buy. Other features like using a large strap-line as well as a headline to explain the story, and having a image dominate the front cover are very typical of tabloid papers.

There are parts of the paper that link tabloids and broadsheets together as they are used by both editors as a regular feature on their paper. The first and main similarity is the use of a Mast head. This can be used to identify the magazine and make it stand out from the other covers. Tabloids often have a bold, sans serif Mast Head as it is easily readable, recognisable and distinguishable from other papers. The Sun's Mast head is its name in white text on a red background, which is very simple. The Time's Mast head is also its name, but doesn't include any colour. This means it won't necessarily catch the eye of someone browsing the papers. As the Times is a very established paper, it uses it's reputation as a lure to consumers.

The differences between The Time and The Sun, as well as another other paper, is to fit with audiences preferences. Which is why they appeal to the audiences that they do. The more spaced out layout of a broadsheet paper seems more professional in my opinion, and the content is designed to appeal to people that are more interested in the detailed analysis of stories. The Sun has quite a full cover, and uses the different preferences of its audience to appeal to them as well. The informal language can make the stories seem more chatty and is more suitable for some of the celebrity gossip stories covered by tabloid papers. The shorter length of the stories might actually encourage consumers to read every story as they won't get bored of a story before they finish. The male gaze is also utilised by including images of scantly clad women throughout which may attract people to read the story. An example of this is on my previous post about the American election where the Sun included an image of Jennifer Lopez in very little clothing, and although it is related, it doesn't follow the same method of reporting stories as Broadsheet papers.