Research

For research I purchased a couple of my own local newspapers. I have scanned these pages on to the blog so that I am able to annotate them. I am observing the styles and connotations of the newspapers, the features and typical story lines that make them authentic and locally based.

Here is the front page of the Luton News:

• Heading in large black font at top of the page. Simple name 'Luton News'
• Date, website, price and newspapers establishing date underneath, separated by dark red lines. (Note my newspaper would not require an establishing date as it is a new paper)
• 4 main headlines and stories on the page, 3 across the top separated into different boxed sections with pictures and headlines as well as a page reference. Main storyline taking up the rest of the page.
• Main story a massive image that takes up most of the page, with headline and text overlapped on top of the picture. Headline in white to be clear on top of image, similarly text in white text box to be visible.
• Not much actual text on the page, mostly covered by the main image.
• Images in other 3 story lines seem to be coming out of the page, overlapping the box they are contained in.
• 3 boxes have different colour to make them stand out and look separate from one another. Colour scheme of red and blue, mature and simple. Similar to main story text in white to be clear and visible against the dark coloured background.
• Main headline 'Danger dogs are on the loose' attracts readers due to the nature of a local newspaper, means it appeals to them directly, and they will be intrigued by the apparent 'danger'.

Inside page of the Luton News:

• Down the left hand side, a kind of credits roll with all the writers for the paper and their contact numbers. Split into sections such as 'News' and 'Advertising'.
• Another mention of the web address and address of the actual newspapers headquarters.
• Newspapers own 'promise' possibly a legal requirement stating what the newspapers aim is and the promise of printing retractions etc if necessary. Encourages reader to get in contact with the newspaper at any point if they wish.
• Type of contents, with page numbers for subjects such as 'Family announcements'. Easy access for readers.
• Section on 'Community cash points' a token collection arrangement in which you can earn money to fund specific items for your community. A great idea to get a community active and involved, very personal for Luton and Dunstable.
• On the right hand side is the continuation of the headline story in full detail with a couple more images and much more text.
• Underneath that are two adverts, one for a Chiropractic Clinic and the other for Ridgemond Training (could not fit the entire page on the scanner so partly cut off). Both very colourful and large with some detail. Locally orientated.

The Luton News and Dunstable Gazette are published by the same company and therefore the two papers are very similar in their styles and connotations. In fact most of the writers are also the same as they are two small areas to cover just being towns. Both newspapers were priced at 50p each, so I will do a similar price to that, as well as a delivery option.

Typical story lines: Local affairs and news that will have some sort of impact on the community, necessary so that it appeals to the target audience of the locals themselves. 'Danger dogs are on the loose' instantly grabs the readers attention; it implies a safety issue, and more importantly they will know it could be their own safety issue as they are local to where this is taking place.

As I want my newspaper to have the feel of a more commercial tabloid, I also studied some covers and inside pages of those so that I can mix the two styles together effectively. Unfortunately since scanning on the two documents above, my scanner has now packed up! I have therefore tried to find recent newspaper pages online.

The Daily Mail:

• Large masthead/name across the top, old fashioned writing typical of newspapers. On plain white background.
• Logo between the two words of the masthead, one that can now be associated entirely with the Daily Mail, giving audience some familiarity.
• Price, date and website address located underneath the name in very small writing.
• Feature going across the very top with intriguing statement to draw you in. "Paul Mckenna wants to change your life" Sounds very personal, audience will want to know how and why. Black background with yellow writing to stand out and image to illustrate.
• Large advertisement across the top on bright pink background, connotations of pink; fun, girly, passionate. White and yellow large text to stand out. Low price of £15 in large writing to immediately attract. Fun family picture with the description of 'fabulous family holidays'. Combined with the low price immediately sounds very appealing.
• Large headline which takes up most of the page in solid black font. Asks a rhetorical question to get the reader involved. Short text underneath and a page number to follow the story up on.
• Colour image on right hand side of a well known celebrity looking strange, (people tend to enjoy seeing celebrities looking bad) and a sarcastic humorous caption.
• Not lots of detail on the front page, typical of tabloid, want to be bold and interesting at first glance with the information inside.

Planning process:

- Name for newspaper

- Headlines

- Colour scheme

- Images

- Adverts

- Font styles/types

- Layout

- Language

- Ensuring there are links between all 3 of my productions.