Broadsheet and Tabloid comparison
Introduction to English Language and Literature: Language Analysis. Compare how language is used to achieve effects in two texts/ extracts from texts.
Primarily there are many differences between broadsheets and tabloid newspapers, such things as the layout, font, and how both of the newspapers cover the content of the news. Most people would agree that a Tabloid newspaper would tend to be more sensationalized in every way and would use a technique called 'hyperbole' which means to exaggerate news to attract audiences of various types. A broadsheet would be more factual and formally written compared to a Tabloid; this is because broadsheets are known to attract older and more well-educated audiences. In terms of demographics, the upper classes would much rather read a broadsheet newspaper rather than a tabloid newspaper, and people/groups in the lower classes would definitely read tabloids more to a certain extent than Broadsheets. The main difference between a tabloid newspaper and a broadsheet is the size of the paper they are printed on. Each page of a tabloid is A3, whereas each page of a broadsheet is A2. Another difference is that tabloids tend to have more celebrity news, gossip, and scandal. Broadsheets tend to have more factual articles and politics.
The two newspapers I will be comparing will be The Mirror and The Guardian, and the news story I will be focusing on will be the Oscar Pistorius trial. I chose this article because it was a news story that really interested me at the time it was covered. Both of these articles went to print on the 15th of April, 2014. Whilst comparing these two same news stories, one from the tabloid, The Mirror, and one from the broadsheet, The Guardian, you will notice that the headline of the story will be very different. For example, The Mirror finds a catchy headline simply because it attracts viewers from the way it is written. This is because the language is more suited for that type of audience, and it is more aesthetically appealing to teenagers and young adults.
The Mirror's headline reads 'Oscar Pistorius trial: 6 things we learned during the Blade Runner's last day in the witness box.' Instantly it becomes apparent how in this headline, they refer to Oscar Pistorius in a very informal way, something that would never be found in a broadsheet, by referring to him as 'Blade Runner'. The manner in how The Mirror has done this gives a very casual and almost playful feel about what is a very serious situation and story, which also would appeal to the type of audience that The Mirror is writing this article for. The headline is also in a very loud, bold font with the purpose of catching the audience's attention straight away. It has been written in a very enticing way for the reader by how it's been worded. Specifically, the part where it says '6 things we learned' makes the audience will be comparing and contrast the use of language, structure, technique,...
