Newspapers: Introduction

1) What type of news can you typically find in a tabloid newspaper?

Tabloids tend to be easier to read, feature shorter articles and include more photographs. They report on major news, but also include a lot of showbiz gossip, entertainment and sport. They tend to be the better sellers.

2) What type of news can you typically find in a broadsheet newspaper?

Broadsheet newspapers traditionally used to be larger (printed on ‘broad sheets’) although most are the same size as tabloids now. They tend to be more serious, have smaller fonts, more advanced use of language and less photography (although they have included more over the last 20 years to be more popular). They tend to have lower circulation figures than tabloids.

3) If someone is left-wing, which political party are they likely to support? Which newspaper would they be likely to read? Left-wing = Labour = Daily Mirror

4) If someone is right-wing, which political party are they likely to support? Which newspaper would they be likely to read? Right-wing = Conservative = The Times

5) Why has there been a decline in newspaper sales in the last 20 years?

Television and the Internet both bring news to the consumer faster and in a more visual style than newspapers, which are constrained by their physical format and their physical manufacturing and distribution. Competing mediums also offer advertisers moving images and sound.

6) Why is a free press important in a democracy like the UK?

A free press informs voters and strengthens democracy