Component One Section B - Audience

How do the Daily Mirror and The Times construct their audiences?

Both newspapers construct their audiences through a specific use of lexis dependant on the paper. The Daily Mirror uses a dumbed down, basic lexis that perpetuates the notion that the working class audience is dumb. The Times, on the other hand, use the same in the opposite way. Both also construct their audience primarily through demonstrating a clear and instantly identifiable political inclination.

Construction - The methods the producers use in order to create a concept, representation or audience. In effect, this involves informing the audience their likes, dislikes, political ideologies and even sexual preferences.

A constructed audience can be targeted far more efficiently, this also constructs brand loyalty, ensuring that audiences buy the edition every day. It is crucial for audiences to buy these because of advertiser retention and missing out on a sheer amount of money because of it.

The Daily Mirror: 

Constructing its audience though the use of stereotypically working class lexis, such as "Brexit Crisis Continues" block capitals, concise, to the point, hyperbolic.

Article about the Pope supporting LGBT identity, suggesting an inclusive readership supportive of LGBT themes and rights.

20 Pages of sport. Sport is typically seen as working class, especially football, (80%). Other articles are focused on horse racing, which can be seen as really working class.

2 McD's adverts within the first three pages, two lottery adverts within the first 10. Lottery alongside betting on the races is a hegemonically held stereotype that working class people are fixated on gambling.

"MPs Choose.. Nothing' Blunt and hyperbolic consideration of political issues. Highly narrativised & sensationalist. Intertextual reference to T.V. gameshows (Such as X-Factor, which also appeals to the audience).

The Times:

Constructs a mass middle class right wing audience through their intellectual and advanced use of lexis. For example, "MPs reject Brexit plans in lifeline for May deal." This presumes intertextual knowledge, and an assumption of interest within political matters.

Travel supplement called "Go and Explore". Explore connotes maturity and independence - Including a luxury holiday to "Avinion, Provence" Luxurious place, glamorous.

Business section at the back: Several pages, dealing with complex and sophisticated issues.

"Easyjet's Brexit warning"

Omission of left wing representation and opinions.

Aggressive headlines: "UKIP infiltrators will tear Tories apart."

Extinction Rebellion article represents protesters as foolish and the headline reads "Commons is Glued to a Cheeky Spectacle." Choice of lexis - innuendo, euphemistic. Demonstrates an ideological opposition to the climate change protest.

Advertising focuses on banking, ISAs and mobile phone contracts.