Now I will look at the layout of the stories. In both of the newspapers the main article is spread over more than one column, which is commonly used to add sensationalism. In ‘The Sun’, the columns are all the same size, laying them out as a block across the page, but in ‘The Daily Express’ there are two columns with one half the size of the other. ‘The Sun’s’ columnar arrangement adds a ‘lightening’ effect to the story, making it seem easier to read than in the ‘Daily Express’. The headline in ‘The Sun’ is in block capitals, which adds further importance to the story. It is made to seem like a direct quote from Mrs Blair, when it is possible that it is not, but this does create a sympathising effect. The ‘Daily Express’ headline is smaller, in the lower case, showing that they do not believe it to be as important as ‘The Sun’ do. It is also made to look like a quote lifted from a primary source, but remains neutral, creating neither sympathy nor shame. It gives the indication that it is just a confession, not a plea. ‘The Sun’ has used the added effect of sub-headings in order to break down the text, making it easier to read. This is not present in ‘The Express’. It has also used small, separated boxes in order to convey some of the facts. These are easy to read and provide the reader with an idea of the story without them having to read the full article. In addition to this summary box, there are profiles of Cherie’s associates Carole Caplin and Peter Foster. Profiles can be very powerful in the representation of celebrities and in this case they allow the reader to gather some background information on the characters involved in the story who they may not have heard of before. Overall, I believe that the layout in ‘The Sun’ has a sympathetic effect on Cherie and the ‘Daily Express’ takes a neutral view, allowing the reader to decide on their own opinions.
There has been quite a great deal of photography used within the articles on Cherie in both newspapers. On the front page of ‘The Sun’ there is a reportage photograph showing Cherie looking shocked. This aids their attempt in sympathising with her by making her look as if she has been exploited and is just as surprised at the events as the general public. The ‘Daily Express’ has used pictures of both Cherie and Peter Foster on the front page, both of which are reportage shots, but Foster’s possibly taken with a different lens from a further distance away. The pictures have been used arranged with the two looking towards each other; this visual link made between the characters reinforces any associations between them. In ‘The Sun’s’ main article, an illustration of Cherie and Tony Blair has been used, showing them both as unhappy. This is trying to enforce the sympathy vote by implying that this is their reaction to the whole affair. There is also a large picture of Cherie with Carole Caplin, a reportage/illustration showing them walking together in the street. This is just showing them as friends wearing similar footwear, implying that Caplin has a guru or mentor influence over Cherie, and is trying to remove some of the blame. The ‘Daily Express’ uses an illustration of Cherie smiling, as if trying to laugh off the whole series of events. This creates somewhat of a misunderstood effect. There are also illustrative pictures of Foster and Caplin. Foster’s photograph is also reportage and Caplin’s photo opportunity. The picture of Foster shows him looking quite suspicious, creating a sinister effect for him. Caplin’s photo is a glamour shot, showing her looking a little ‘slutty’. Again, giving her a bad image and perhaps suggesting that she is not such a good friend to Cherie.
There are several issues of representation that are likely to have affected how Cherie has been portrayed by the two newspapers. As mentioned previously, ‘The Sun’ is very much pro-government and is also quite anti-foreign. Therefore, they are likely to support Cherie and represent her in the best manner possible. They have made it clear that this state of affairs had nothing to do with Tony Blair, showing their support for the Labour government. Also, they will be opposed to Foster as an Australian, and so will try to pin any blame on him. The ‘Daily Express’ has a neutral political stance and is more female-biased. Therefore, where it will not support Cherie and Tony Blair all of the time, Cherie will be well-represented as a middle-aged mother in order to please the audience.
I believe that ‘The Sun’ and the ‘Daily Express’ have both served Cherie and themselves in their representations. The writers of ‘The Sun’ have made every effort to make it clear that Cherie was not responsible for the corrupt nature of the events. Only pointing out that she may have been “a bit daft” and was merely “duped” by a conman. They have taken a very much ‘innocent until proven guilty’ attitude. They have maintained their pro-government status and therefore continued to stay on the side of the general public. This is good publicity for them and therefore can help them to maintain their current audience and boost their sales too. The ‘Daily Express’ have also supported Cherie to the extreme, but for different reasons to those of ‘The Sun’. They have passed on any blame to Peter Foster, who is described regularly as a “serial fraudster”. Cherie’s foolishness has been put down to her being “busy” and a “harassed mother”, showing that perhaps an excess of stress has led to her being conned. The ‘Daily Express’ support Cherie because she is a middle-aged woman and a mother. Due to the fact that the majority of their readership are traditionally middle-aged women, they are giving the sort of representation that will please their readers. This bodes well for the newspaper, and of course for Cherie Blair herself.
