HOMEWORK QUESTIONS 8 AND 9

Question 8

The online observer uses media language in many different ways to create meaning. The layout on the online Observer is very linear which connotes formality and order. Is is portrayed through the neat and ordered boxes and columns. These columns and boxes contain all the content through the clear sections of the homepage including “Observer opinion”.

The order is portrayed further through the use of the simple colour pallet. The colours used are a dark blue with hints of burgundy to connote maturity and seriousness. This shows the observer readers that they can trust the contents of the online Observer.

Question 9

The Observer and the online Observer sit to the left of the political spectrum which makes them concern themselves with more liberal values and beliefs. These values and beliefs are shared by the Observers sister paper the Guardian. Both newspapers have the same colour headline to remind the reader of the shared sense of values between the two newspapers.

The online Observer has an international feel to it with mentions about the “US” and “Saudi”. These examples reflect the Observers interest in international cultures and people. The online Observer has an article about “Saudi dissidents” which discusses political views and opinions from around the world. The online Observer is known for discussing difficult issues such as this story. They have chosen to put the article on the left of the page so it is one of the first story you see so the reader is reminded of this. The extract has these diverse features so the reader is constantly reminded this is an international newspaper and contains a mix of different cultures.

The Observer has a balance of hard news, including political vies and tough issues, and a balance of soft news, comics and easy to read articles. The Observer online features the article about a new car to show the reader they have a balanced opinion about all news. The Vauxhall is expensive which reinforces the middle class readers of the Observer. The readers are reminded of this middle class experience to show them the Observers beliefs and their belief that the observer is middle class.

In my opinion I believe the Observer has clear representations showing their beliefs. There is clear evidence of the Observer’s realism through its variety of articles containing a balanced view on all articles.