OCR A Level Media Studies
Theories for Newspapers 2026
NEWEST!!!!
Barthes - Semiotic Theory - ANSWER💫✔️--how we interpret objects (signifier) and their meanings
(signified).
enigma code = questions from audience, e.g. leading headlines
symbolic code = visual metaphor, e.g. puns
cultural code = culturally specific knowledge, e.g. NHS, Brexit
Todorov - Narrative Theory - ANSWER💫✔️--equilibrium, disruption, recognition, attempt to repair
damage, new equilibrium
Neale - Genre Theory - ANSWER💫✔️--genres are instances of repetition and difference;
repetition = Brexit, Trump, NHS, Royal Family
difference = terrorist attacks, natural disasters
Levi-Strauss - Binary Opposites - ANSWER💫✔️--characters and ideals that contrast each other; show
both sides
e.g. good vs. evil, Brexiteers vs. Remainers
Theories for Newspapers 2026
NEWEST!!!!
Barthes - Semiotic Theory - ANSWER💫✔️--how we interpret objects (signifier) and their meanings
(signified).
enigma code = questions from audience, e.g. leading headlines
symbolic code = visual metaphor, e.g. puns
cultural code = culturally specific knowledge, e.g. NHS, Brexit
Todorov - Narrative Theory - ANSWER💫✔️--equilibrium, disruption, recognition, attempt to repair
damage, new equilibrium
Neale - Genre Theory - ANSWER💫✔️--genres are instances of repetition and difference;
repetition = Brexit, Trump, NHS, Royal Family
difference = terrorist attacks, natural disasters
Levi-Strauss - Binary Opposites - ANSWER💫✔️--characters and ideals that contrast each other; show
both sides
e.g. good vs. evil, Brexiteers vs. Remainers