"research a controversial issue, either comtemporary or historical, and explain how the audience is positioned by newspapers to view the issue."

can someone please tell what "how the audience is POSITIONED by newspapers" mean?

It's very rare lately that you get news without a commentary attached to it as to how we're supposed to think or feel about what the article is reporting.

For example, someone against the war in Iraq might take the death of a soldier in a car accident while on leave in the US and print at the end of the article "That leaves the total amount of soldiers that died during the war at xxxx."

So pick a topic. Find as many news articles from different papers as you can. Then present how the differences in the articles make you feel a certain way. That's how the newspaper article positions its audience.

At least that's how I read it.

Matt

"Positioning the audience" refers to how newspapers use various strategies and perspectives to shape the way readers perceive and understand a controversial issue. It involves the presentation of information, selection of sources, language choices, and overall framing of the issue by the newspaper.

To research and analyze how the audience is positioned by newspapers on a specific controversial issue, you can follow these steps:

1. Choose a controversial issue: Select a topic, either contemporary or historical, that has generated significant debate or differing opinions. Examples could include climate change, gun control, immigration, or racial inequality.

2. Gather newspaper articles: Collect news articles from various newspapers and news outlets. Make sure to include a diverse range of sources to provide a balanced view.

3. Identify different perspectives: Read through the articles and identify the various perspectives or stances presented by each newspaper. Look for differences in tone, language used, and sources cited.

4. Analyze framing and language: Pay attention to how the articles frame the issue. Are they presenting it as a problem or a solution? Do they use emotive language or objective terms? Analyze the language and rhetoric used to influence the audience's perception.

5. Consider source selection: Assess the sources referenced in the articles. Do they primarily rely on experts, politicians, or personal anecdotes? Evaluate the credibility and potential bias of these sources and how they contribute to shaping the audience's viewpoint.

6. Examine visual elements: Take note of any accompanying images, graphics, or headlines used in the articles. Visual elements can significantly impact how the audience interprets and feels about the issue.

7. Compare and contrast: Compare the articles from different newspapers and analyze how their differences in framing, language, and source selection affect the overall presentation of the issue. Look for similarities or patterns that indicate a specific positioning of the audience.

8. Reflect on your own perception: Finally, reflect on how reading these different articles with their distinct perspectives and presentations affected your own understanding and feelings about the controversial issue. Consider how each newspaper positioned its audience through its reporting.

By following these steps, you will be able to effectively research and explain how the audience is positioned by newspapers regarding a controversial issue. Remember to remain objective and consider multiple viewpoints to gain a comprehensive understanding.