Research into local newspapers

Because my newspaper is going to be a local one, I have decided to study the Halstead Gazette, the local paper in my area. I am going to look at all the different aspects on the first two pages and see what they have used and why.

The name - 'Halstead Gazette'
The fact that 'Halstead' is featured in the name helps the reader identify that the paper is a local paper for that particular area. The word 'Gazette' is written in a large, serif, red font, emphasizing that it belongs to the Gazette chain, and secondly, that it is serving Halstead. It is sold on a Friday, which indicates that the target audience could perhaps be retired, part time or unemployed individuals. This is reinforced by the adverts, and the content. The price is 40p, which is reasonable.

Main Article 
The main article is about tax increases and how they will affect Halstead hospital. This is more likely to appeal to the older generation as young people are generally uninterested in financial news.

Adverts
There are two adverts for opticians and two for local pubs. This would appeal more to an older target market, as the pubs advertised are located in quiet surrounding villages, and the opticians are more likely to be used by older people.

Photos 
The two photos featured on the front page are not exceptionally large and do not correspond with the main headline. The smaller photo is of some elderly ladies and relates to a story within. The larger picture is next to another headline, smaller than the main one yet large enough to catch a readers attention. The variation of eye catching headlines imply the variety of stories that are featured within the newspaper and try to offer more stories in order to entice more readers.