In what ways do different audiences respond differently to the same media text?

The Daily Telegraph’s coverage of the London riots was something that was taken in separate ways by the public. The main way people chose their opinions was through news reports. In this essay I will explain the different ways in which the text can be interpreted.

As soon as the audience lay their eyes on the front cover they are greeted with a graphic visual of a lady escaping from a building due to fires in direct mode of address, centre of the page. But, in contrast to the girl being saved from the fires is the headline ‘Rule of the mob’. Considering the fact it’s unusual for a tabloid paper to rely largely on the main cover image this could attract a lot more readers, maybe because they’d think the paper would be reporting the riots in pictures opposed to heavy text based stories. The headline and cover photo could be the main reasons to attract the audience to purchase the paper. This is due to the fact people thinking the riots were an awful, terrifying thing would relate more the title opposed to the picture, were neutral readers wouldn’t have preferences as to whether it’s more relatable to them or not.

This tabloid newspaper is stereotypically aimed for the more knowledgeable reader, possibly from a more upper-class background with a good income. This is because of the price and also the advertisements located directly on the front cover, in this case, Boodles. This is a jewellers aimed at immensely rich people that could afford to purchase their products. The paper is also traditionally a pro-conservative party, so this is stereotypically a north and south divide as to who reads the paper.

The language used in the story is more of a downgrading, demeaning on the type of people involved in the riots. Although it’s still only a stereotypical viewing it’s still reporting that ‘all young people are to be blamed’

Exam Question

Q 1: Study the NME magazine cover and discuss the following:

-Visual Codes

-Layout and Composition

-Mode of address

-Persuasion techniques

The NME magazine cover has lot's of different aspects to represent and capture the target audience in which it's aiming for, from the off the magazine is seen as a large, eye grabbing and colourful which would easily be recognisable on the shops shelves.

The NME magazine starts off with the main image of the front page character, in this case it's Pete Doherty. He is showcased just off centre on the page posing in a studio-shot picture. With his characteristics he is easily recognisable to someone who is highly interested in this person. The visual imagery of his character shows him as a 'rebel' type. Posing with no shirt on, with only necklaces around his neck and the visible tattoo located just above his nipple. This could attract more readers to the magazine through more of a sexual persuasive. But, the naked state of his torso could also represent vulnerability and the fact he could possibly feel stripped of self pride for whatever he is apologising for.

Pete's facial expressions are more of a blank stare into the camera, kind of like there is guilt in his eyes and his body language of a more relaxed statue is a point to prove this. Also, this links into the sub-caption underneath his name title where it states he is 'sorry to every single person from the depths of my heart.' That, a long with his eye contact and body language, gives the audience a more sympathetic reaction to him and his story.

Aside from the main story there are many sub-stories and a puff showcasing a competition to win VIP festival tickets, and various cover lines advertising what else is being archived inside of the magazine as a whole. These cover lines stand out on the cover on the magazine and are easily readable. This gives the magazine a more open look and could easily represent the open nature of the whole magazine itself. As well as being on the layout and it all being evenly spacious and not too heavy on the cover, the cover lines also add a sense of persuasion. Especially the 'WIN! VIP Festival tickets...' cover line. This is spaced out on it's own just above halfway of the page and is isolated to showcase it's more demanding meaning. The importance of the cover line is showcased through being placed inside of a white circle which, links in again, to the covers colour scheme.

Other persuasive techniques include the magazine tag-line solely, stating that NME is the 'New Musical Experience'. This shouts out to a reader as it is possibly the best thing to have or read at the moment, and that they offer the most than any other musical magazine. Aside from the WIN banner, the magazine also uses the names of big bands such as Oasis, right at the top of the cover. Stereotypically, people who are interested in music tend to have a interest in Oasis as a band. But, it's not just the bands name on the cover it's also the cover line that it's a 'World Exclusive' about their new album. This cover line shows that NME have the best music news and readers should be buying the magazine so they can be kept in the know. The cover also uses the words like 'you' and 'in the raw', this grabs the readers attention as it singles you out and puts you inside of the magazine. Showing you that it's what you need to listen to and what you need to engage in.

Q 2: Describe two possible audiences with consideration given to the following:

- Uses and Gratifications theory

- Fans

- Target audience

- Positioning

- Circulation and readership.




The audiences for this magazine cover can differentiate depending on how the cover is analysed and viewed, there are many different areas to discuss and can easily be linked into each other. +