After examining local newspaper over the past few months, when creating my previous tasks and performing research during my A2 work, I have been able to find a series of conventions included within local newspapers.
All newspaper front pages will include the masthead. This allows the reader to identify what the newspaper is. The masthead is always located in the top of the newspaper document, along with details about the newspaper issue. These details include the date of release, social media information and a website URL.
In terms of the articles included on front pages, they will follow a similar style to that of a national newspaper - it is written in a similar way by using an introduction, interviews, statistics, and comments. Some journalists may use their own styles of writing, and state their own opinion, which may reflect the opinion of readers.
At the start of an article, a byline is included to allow the author to include their details. This is something repeated throughout all newspapers. Some newspapers write 'written by a reporter' because journalists may wish to remain anonymous, or are not part of staff, so do not have their name included.
Adverts will be included throughout the front and second pages, for local companies. This can help readers identify that the newspaper is aimed at a certain area. An advert for a Brighton bank would not be seen in the Liverpool Echo. However, this advert could be found in The Argus (Brighton).
The second page usually include a contents section to show the reader what will be included in the upcoming newspaper. The contents will usually say about the different sections within the newspaper, such as events, advertisements and the sports section.
The newspaper title will obviously identify where the newspaper is aimed at, but could also show other factors, such as how often the newspaper is released. The East Anglian Daily Times shows that the newspaper is published daily - however, readers could be unsure by how frequent the Halstead Gazette is published.
