representation

• The image of Boris Johnson on the front page focuses on his expression of trepidation on his way to the Commons
• The image is accompanied by a caption and a large quote from Sue Gray's report
• Unlike a tabloid newspaper, the representation of the event and Boris Johnson's role is more implicit
• The selection and combination of images and language constructs a subtly negative representation of Boris Johnson
• The pull quotes from the report, placed next to the image of the PM, implicitly direct blame at his behaviour
• The quote 'There were failures of leadership and judgment by different parts of number 10 ...' is used to suggest blame towards Boris Johnson
• The inclusion of the ellipsis in the quote creates an enigma, hinting that there is more to be revealed in the report
• how does the headlines and subheadings portray Johnson

  Similarly, the construction and choice of language in the headlines and subheadings represent the event and the PM in a negative way – ‘PM’s four lockdown parties’ implies Boris Johnson’s involvement and the use of ‘four’ points out the seriousness of the event. The use of the phrase ‘drinking culture’ also constructs a negative representation of the event.
• does the way that they've portrayed Johnson reflect their usual political allegiance?

  This construction of the representation of the event does not reflect the newspaper’s usual political allegiance, which would be to support the government. It may be that the newspaper feels responsible as an opinion leader to reflect the reactions of many people with differing political views to the transgresses of the government.
• The representation of Johnson in the event positions the audience to consider the facts about the event in an informative way
• The audience is encouraged to make their decision about the event based on the constructed representation
• Within the readership of The Times, there are individuals who may be shocked by the revelations of the breaking of lockdown restrictions by those in power
• There are also readers who remain supportive of the government despite the revelations
• The sub-heading 'The Times verdict. Full analysis and comment inside' suggests that the binary oppositions may be resolved by the newspaper's opinion in the inner pages
• what representation theory can be applied to the paper?

  representation - Stuart Hall
• how can stuart hall's representation theory be applied?

  The front page of The Times produces meaning through the language used, by using recognisable signs that will be interpreted by the audience, for example, headlines, image choices, language, and mode of address.

  These choices contribute to the construction of the event and encode meanings that are to be decoded by the audience.