Media Theory Revision Guide
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Daily Mirror
Semantic codes
Barthes
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The front cover of the Daily Mirror also deploys some explicit ideological messaging through the use of semantic coding. The stormy skies behind the Statue of Liberty clearly connote the sense of foreboding felt by many Americans after President Trump‘s presidential election victory.
The red-tinted horizon behind Lady Liberty similarly foregrounds an apocalyptic tone, suggesting that the president's tenure will be problematic. The use of semantic codes, in this instance, helps convey the ideological bias of the Daily Mirror.
As a left leaning paper the Mirror supports the policies and political direction of the Democratic Party - as such their editorials are naturally inclined to critique a Trump victory. They also construct a sensationalised feel because they have to sell their product to a mass market.
Ideology
Refers to the unwritten rules that govern how we act or that define socially acceptable behaviours. The media plays a crucial role in shaping and communicating these invisible rules.
Media terminology used
Mass market news
News designed to engage mainstream readerships - presenting hard news as entertainment and often critiqued for trivialising news content. Also known as news depoliticisation.
Connotative reading
A reading that identifies the emotional or symbolic affect of the individual elements that make up a media product.