Newspaper industries –ownership and control question: who controls The Observer / Guardian and what are its values?
The Observer and the Guardian are owned by a trust that was set up in the 1930s.
The Astor family were the ones to establish The Observer's liberal values, with David Astor as the editor until mid 1970s. it easily fitted it the Scott Trust
Press freedom and regulation question: What is meant by 'a free press'? When The Guardian newspaper investigated (and revealed) what The News of The World newspaper had done to get stories, what big changes in press regulation resulted?
'A free press' is when newspapers and older media can campaign on political issues and journalists are expected to be very critical of people in power.
When The Guardian newspaper investigated and showed what 'The News of The World' newspaper did to get stories, in response, most of the press joined IPSO (Independent Press Standards Organisation) which didn't want to apply to the recognition body as they saw this as unwarranted state interference in the free press.
Convergence question: "When newspapers operate online there is technological and cultural convergence." What does this mean in The Observer?
this means that the newspaper can keep the original parts of the newspaper but can also add in new things such as videos and comment sections
Newspaper audiences question: The Observer has different sections designed to appeal to different types of readers. Explain this with examples.
there are lots of different sections that give pleasure to people who like that topic. for example, there are dance, music and movie reviews and also architecture and video games.
Uses and gratification question: how does The Observer meet readers' needs for personal identity and social integration?
the Observer meets readers needs for personal identity and social integration by showing different opinions and reviews on certain topics. it also allows them to expand their reading and social skills. they can also chat about their views online and make new friends whilst doing this.
Active/passive audiences question: in what way can The Observer's audience be 'active' ?
The Observers audience can be active by doing a few things. One way they can be active is by commenting and sharing their view on certain topics. you are actively engaging with the newspaper and its other viewers.
