social and cultural contexts

• what is The Times' target audience?

  ABC1, over 35, liberal/right-wing stance, and interested in national and global affairs
• how does the Times reach their target audience?

  targeted through the news values of the paper, the selection of stories, and how particular social groups and issues are represented
• how does this story reinforce the theme of accurately representing news and it's effect on society?

  the front page isn't explicitly critical of the government, but the story cuts across political divides with many members of the conservative party as well as labour shocked by revelations.
• what does the Times' plug reflect?

  a cultural context with a lifestyle focus intended to broaden the appeal of the newspaper