the guardian analysis

theguardian analysis

Contextual production

They understand the way that the text is likely to be consumed. People nowadays read news on the go with the sales of smart phones going through the roof. Therefore, headlines are short and snappy – it is unlikely that people will read anything that has reams of information while they are on the move. In addition, with this in mind, the most expensive adverts and controversial headlines.

The location of numerous headlines and graphics are also significant. For example, the ‘Architecture’ feature has been enlarged and placed right in the centre so it is likely to be the first headline that the reader sees. A heading that reads, ‘Qatar’s accidental vagina stadium is most gratifying,’ is controversial. Controversy and gossip is a popular form of news stories so it is therefore likely to be read. In addition, the ‘Online dating’ feature has also been placed towards the top of the page and will also be one of the first things that the reader sees when they enter the website. It is likely that ‘theguardian’ dating site requires a charge of some sort and therefore it is likely to be one of the first things that the reader will notice on the page. Both of these features indicate that the creators have an in depth understanding of what appeals to readers. In short, sex sells.

As well as this, the creators recognise what is appealing to readers through the use of their sports feature. They understand that the most popular sport on Britain so it is therefore the first sports article in the feature.

Controversy is expanded on with the story, ‘Catherine Deveny: Sorry, but being a mother is not the most important job in the world,’ which is placed in the centre. This is a controversial heading, hence its location.

Additionally, the location and order of the headings at the top (‘News | Sport | Comment | Culture| Business’ etc.) have been ordered specifically in the order that the creator believes that the reader is most likely to select. We read from left to right therefore the most popular heading – ‘News’ - has been placed first.

The topic of ‘left to right reading’ has also been expanded on with the use of dramatic lexis on the left hand side of the page. The three, visible stories on the left contain the dramatic lexis, ‘fraud,’ ‘murders,’ ‘guilty,’ ‘pleads’ and ‘spy.’ The enticing choice of words are used to encourage the reader to look at the bigger picture (i.e. read the whole article).

They use engaging statements such as ‘Breaking News’and ‘Latest.’

Colour also plays a big part in the consumer’s production. The first eleven headings are in different colours as they generally do not require a response from the user. But the last four headings – ‘Video |Dating | Offers | Jobs’ – as they do require interaction from the reader.