Media Studies · Year 12 · News and Online Media · 3.º Período

The Evolution of Print Journalism

A study of the changing landscape of newspapers in the UK. Students will compare broadsheets and tabloids, analysing their distinct news values and political leanings.

TL;DR:The Evolution of Print Journalism tracks the dramatic changes in the UK newspaper industry. Students compare the conventions of 'quality' broadsheets like The Guardian or The Times with 'popular' tabloids like The Sun or The Daily Mirror. This topic is not just about layout; it's about news values, political bias, and the social role of the press in British life.

• National Curriculum Attainment Targets
• A-Level Media Studies (Ofqual): Analyse the social, cultural and political contexts of media products.
• A-Level Media Studies (Ofqual): Understand the conventions of print journalism.

About This Topic

The Evolution of Print Journalism tracks the dramatic changes in the UK newspaper industry. Students compare the conventions of 'quality' broadsheets like The Guardian or The Times with 'popular' tabloids like The Sun or The Daily Mirror. This topic is not just about layout; it's about news values, political bias, and the social role of the press in British life.

Students will investigate how newspapers are struggling to survive in a digital world and how they are adapting their business models. They will also explore the concept of 'gatekeeping', how editors decide what is 'newsworthy.' This topic is essential for developing a critical understanding of the UK's political landscape. Students grasp this concept faster through structured discussion and peer explanation, where they can compare how different papers cover the same headline.

Key Questions

1. How do news values determine what becomes a story?
2. What are the stylistic differences between tabloids and broadsheets?
3. How does political bias manifest in print journalism?

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Broadsheets are 'true' and tabloids are 'fake'.

What to Teach Instead

Both types of newspapers have political biases and use specific 'news values' to frame stories. A 'comparative analysis' task helps students see that even 'quality' papers choose what to include and what to leave out.

Common Misconception

Newspapers are only for old people.

What to Teach Instead

While print sales are down, newspaper brands have huge online audiences. Investigating the 'online presence' of papers like the Daily Mail helps students see their continued influence on younger demographics.

Active Learning Ideas

Inquiry Circle

The Front Page Flip

Groups are given a broadsheet and a tabloid from the same day. They must identify the differences in language, imagery, and news priorities, then present their 'bias audit' to the class.

50 min·Small Groups

Simulation Game

The Newsroom Deadline

Students act as editors for either a tabloid or a broadsheet. They are given five potential stories but only have space for three. They must justify their choices based on their paper's 'news values' and target audience.

45 min·Small Groups

Think-Pair-Share

The Future of Print

Students brainstorm three reasons why people still buy physical newspapers and three reasons why they might stop. They then pair up to debate whether print journalism will exist in ten years.

20 min·Pairs

Frequently Asked Questions

What are 'news values' in journalism?

News values are the criteria used by editors to decide if a story is worth publishing. Common values include 'Proximity' (is it close to home?), 'Negativity' (is it bad news?), and 'Elite Persons' (is it about someone famous?). Understanding these helps students explain why certain stories dominate the headlines.

How do UK newspapers show political bias?

Bias can be seen in the choice of headlines, the selection of photos, and the 'framing' of a story to support a particular political party. For example, The Mirror typically supports Labour, while The Sun often supports the Conservatives. Comparing their coverage of an election is a classic A-Level task.

What is the difference between a broadsheet and a tabloid?

Broadsheets (like The Times) traditionally have larger pages, more complex language, and focus on 'hard' news like politics and economics. Tabloids (like The Sun) are smaller, use more sensationalist language, and focus on 'soft' news like celebrities and human interest stories.

How can active learning help students understand news bias?

When students have to 'act' as editors and make choices about which stories to lead with, they realise that news is a 'constructed' product, not just a neutral reflection of reality. Active learning makes the invisible process of 'gatekeeping' visible and easier to analyse.