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The presentation of Caroline Flack by the British Media November 2007 - March 2020
Caroline Flack was a television personality who was known for presenting the popular ITV shows Love
Island and The Xtra Factor, alongside being the winner of Strictly Come Dancing in 2014. She was also
known for her tumultuous love life, with the media speculating about her relationships with Prince Harry,
Harry Styles and Andrew Brady.
At the end of last year, Flack faced assault charges which resulted in even more media coverage of her
life. She tragically committed suicide in February 2020.
Caroline Flack had a turbulent relationship with the press throughout her life: they covered both the
extreme highs and lows of all aspects of her life. She is the focus of my investigation as there are widely
differing headlines about her from a variety of mainstream news outlets which will provide me with a
diverse corpus to then analyse. Furthermore, the media coverage spans many years and reflects big events
in her life, allowing the presentation of her in the press to be explored in more depth.
The corpus of data collected can be found in Appendix one.
The reporting of Caroline Flack, and the way that she was portrayed by media outlets differed depending
on the events happening either in her personal life, or his professional career.
Both tabloid and broadsheet media outlets covered elements of Flack’s life. Interestingly, in contrast to
the images of the front covers from the Sunday Mirror and The Sunday Times from after her suicide, the
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corpus data does not show a significant difference in the language used to describe her. This is most
evident through the use of the noun ‘assault’ in headlines from both The Guardian and The Sun (17.12.19);
the negative connotations are inescapable, however it could be argued that both media outlets are merely
reporting on the attack, using legal terms.
The majority of the negative headlines about Flack herself are associated with times when Flack was
experiencing either personal or career lows, for example her break ups with partners. This is most evident
following her break up from Harry Styles where she recalls ‘It was a laugh, until I started being called
paedophile in the street’ (The Independent, 2015); interestingly, this negative headline was published
over three years after the breakup. Through quoting Flack herself using ‘paedophile’, which in itself is a
highly controversial term, The Independent is arguably sensationalising a news story which would
otherwise be uninteresting to all those but her most ardent followers. The retrospective negative
portrayal of her relationships is furthered by Brady, her ex-finance, labelling their relationship as ‘toxic’
(The Sun, 2019).
Whilst Caroline Flack was alive, the majority of the positive headlines about her were linked to her career
and her appearance. She was referred to as a ‘star’ (BBC Newsbeat, 2014) and a ‘pin up girl’ (Daily Mail,
2015) in relation to her appearance on Strictly Come Dancing and its subsequent tour. In itself, Strictly is
known as an extravagant Saturday night TV programme which further contributes to the positive
presentation of her as a desirable figure.
After her death there was a marked change in media representation of her from someone accused of
assault to someone whose death had a devastating impact. The Guardian reported upon her ‘tragic’ death
(2020) and that those who knew her were ‘devastated’ by her death (2020). The conscious use of such
emotive language clearly portrays her as a positive figure, thereby negating the previously negative
coverage.
Whilst the majority of the headlines conform to Grice’s Maxims (1975), there are a few which flout them,
such as:
● ‘Caroline Flack death: Former Love Island presenter found dead at flat, aged 40’ (The Independent,
2020). This flouts the maxim of quantity as ‘aged 40’ is unnecessary information, however it does
clearly highlight the tragedy of her death at such a young age.
● ‘She's a pin-up girl! Caroline Flack oozes retro glamour in tight top and high-waisted shorts... as
she kicks of Strictly Come Dancing tour’ (Daily Mail, 2015). This arguably flouts the maxim of
relevance as the focus of the article is the Strictly Come Dancing tour, not her outfit! As such, the
headline places emphasis upon Flack as a desirable figure, making her seem more important than
the tour itself.
Whilst exploring the corpus headlines, the ethics of journalism and media bias cannot be ignored as often
this will frame the perspective of the story. The editor of a media outlet will have an awareness of who
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their target audience is, and isn’t, and will ensure that the news stories they produce reflect this.
For example, it is widely recognised that the target demographic of the Daily Mail are lower-middle class
British women, who have an interest in celebrity and gossip. This is exemplified through the headline
‘Strictly stylish: Caroline Flack shows off tanned legs in glitzy signature shorts at the Strictly Come Dancing
launch’ (Daily Mail, 2014) which does not actually share any new information with the audience, but
rather has been sparked by an image of Flack where she is deemed to be looking ‘Stylish’. This may be
particularly interesting to the target demographic as they wish to follow the lives of celebrities, even when
there is nothing new to report. The subheading ‘Low key look: Caroline Flack sported her favourite leg-
baring shorts at the Strictly Come Dancing launch’ (Daily Mail, 2014), further supports this notion, implying
that the way a celebrity looks is worthy of reporting as ‘news’.
Approaching the headlines in the corpus with a constructionist view, it would be argued that the
representation of Caroline Flack in the media is at times a sensationalist version of events in real life,
sometimes foregrounding trivial elements which are not unbiased news. Furthermore, taking this
approach it could be perceived that the coverage of the alleged assault was manipulated in order to create
a depiction of Flack as violent, a representation which altered entirely following her suicide. As such, this
sudden shift in portrayal may call into question the earlier presentation of Flack and therefore lead to the
reader having a negotiated reading of the previous headlines.
It can be argued, based on our study of Caroline Flack, that the British media will create sensational
headlines around both a celebrity’s personal life, and their career, in order to appeal to their target
demographic and maintain their readership. Furthermore, through the headlines analysed from the
corpus, it appears that the representation of the celebrity is reflective of the events being reported,
whether they be actual news or merely speculative. Through this, the media are able to consciously
manipulate the public perception of the celebrity, in this case Caroline Flack.
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Appendix One
Caroline Flack Headline Corpus
Date Headline Subheading Source URL
30.11.07
Caroline Flack - She's not your
typical childrens' television presenter
Since drinks with Amy Winehouse, parties with Pete Dohery and dates the drummer from a hip indie band. So what is Caroline Flack doing on
Saturday morning TV?
Daily Mail https://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/home/moslive/article-498734/Caroline-Flack--Shes-typical-childrens-television-presenter.html
13.07.08
I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of These Clothes!
The I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! Now host did a shoot with us when she was an up-and-coming presenter. Flacking-hell indeed!
Maxim https://web.archive.org/web/20110716134938/http://www.maxim.co.uk/girls/celebrity/1
3908/caroline_flack.html
13.12.11
Caroline Flack Teased About
Harry Styles Kiss On Never Mind The Buzzcocks
The Xtra Factor co-host was mocked for her reported romantic
tryst with the teen pop star.
Capital FM https://www.capitalfm.com/artists/one-direction/news/harry-styles-never-mind-the-
buzzcocks/
27.01.12
One Direction's Harry Styles and Caroline Flack
break up
One Direction singer Harry Styles has confirmed he has split from TV
presenter Caroline Flack.
BBC Newsbeat http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/16754845/one-directions-harry-styles-and-
caroline-flack-break-up
25.03.13
Caroline Flack will return to Xtra
Factor after Simon Cowell
tells her the job is still hers
And with Olly Murs busy on his tour, will last year's contestant Rylan
Clark be her new co-host?
Mirror https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/caroline-flack-return-xtra-factor-1779888
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28.08.14
Caroline Flack to star on BBC One's Strictly
Come Dancing
Former Xtra Factor host Caroline Flack is joining rival show Strictly
Come Dancing.
BBC Newsbeat http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/28963582/caroline-flack-to-star-on-bbc-ones-
strictly-come-dancing
03.09.14
Strictly stylish: Caroline Flack
shows off tanned legs in glitzy
signature shorts at the Strictly
Come Dancing launch
Low-key look: Caroline Flack sported her favourite leg-baring
shorts at the Strictly Come Dancing launch at the Elstree Studios in
Hertfordshire on Tuesday
Daily Mail https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2741809/Strictly-stylish-Caroline-Flack-shows-tanned-legs-glitzy-shorts-Strictly-
Come-Dancing-launch.html
26.09.14
Caroline Flack gets Strictly
Come Dancing 2014 party
started in bottom-skimming 'flash of
gold'
We knew the outfits would be glitzy and full of sequins but just how short are the girls willing to go?
The Mirror https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/caroline-flack-gets-strictly-come-
4331110
29.11.14
Strictly Come Dancing 2014:
Caroline Flack’s Charleston was full of Turkish
delight to top the leaderboard
We are getting to the business end of the competition in Strictly Come
Dancing and it is starting to become a must to get those ten’s from Len
and have Bruno springing out of his seat in ecstasy as he judges the
contestants.
Metro https://metro.co.uk/2014/11/29/strictly-come-dancing-2014-caroline-flacks-
charleston-was-full-of-turkish-delight-to-top-the-leaderboard-4967435/
14.12.14
Strictly Come Dancing: Caroline Flack scores first perfect 40 of the
series
The TV presenter is now the bookies' favourite to win the
competition
The Independent https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/strictly-come-
dancing-2014-caroline-flacks-salsa-scores-first-perfect-40-of-the-series-9923830.html
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20.12.14
Strictly Come Dancing: Caroline
Flack lifts glitterball trophy
Television presenter Caroline Flack and partner Pasha Kovalev have
been voted winners of Strictly Come Dancing.
BBC News https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30536720
22.12.14
Caroline Flack admits Strictly Come Dancing got her through
love split
SHE may have had a 'testing year' but Caroline Flack has admitted that taking part in Strictly Come
Dancing has helped her enormously.
The Express https://www.express.co.uk/celebrity-news/548268/Caroline-Flack-Strictly-Come-
Dancing-love-split
17.01.15
She's a pin-up girl! Caroline
Flack oozes retro glamour in tight top and high-
waisted shorts... as she kicks of Strictly Come Dancing tour
She is the reigning champion of Strictly Come Dancing. And
Caroline Flack made sure that the opening night of the Strictly tour
started with a bang as she danced up a storm with her fellow
contestants.
Daily Mail https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2914147/Caroline-Flack-looks-
sensational-plunging-silver-frock-kicks-Strictly-Come-Dancing-tour.html
23.01.15
Caroline Flack nails off-duty
style in Burberry scarf... while
Rachel Stevens indulges in some
retail therapy ahead of Strictly Come Dancing
tour show in Leeds
Daily Mail https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2923608/Caroline-Flack-nails-duty-style-Burberry-scarf-Rachel-Stevens-indulges-
retail-therapy-ahead-Strictly-Come-Dancing-tour-Leeds.html
23.05.15
Caroline Flack: 'I'm as single as single can be'
The new X Factor presenter on Harry Styles, Strictly and 'nearly
fancying' Olly Murs
The Telegraph https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/11625760/Caroline-Flack-Im-as-
single-as-single-can-be.html
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11.10.15
Caroline Flack on Harry Styles
romance: 'It was a laugh, until I started being
called paedophile in the street'
Caroline Flack has spilled the beans about her friendship with
Prince Harry and One Direction's Harry Styles
The Independent https://www.independent.ie/style/celebrity/celebrity-news/caroline-flack-on-harry-styles-
romance-it-was-a-laugh-until-i-started-being-called-paedophile-in-the-street-
31599690.html
12.10.15
'He could have waited' Caroline Flack slams Jack
Street for dumping her during Strictly
SHE recently revealed that she was Prince Harry's "bit of rough" and
now Caroline Flack has lifted the lid on another romance of hers.
The Express https://www.express.co.uk/celebrity-news/611451/Caroline-Flack-Jack-Street-Strictly-Come-Dancing-ex-boyfriend-book-
Storm-in-a-C-Cup
28.11.15
The X Factor host Caroline Flack: I feel incredibly
lucky
AS The X Factor approaches its quarter finals, Caroline Flack looks
back at her year on Britain’s favourite reality shows.
Express https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/life/621701/The-X-Factor-host-
Caroline-Flack-Olly-Murs-Strictly-Come-Dancing
02.01.16
Caroline Flack cried after first live Sunday X
Factor show after she was trolled
X Factor host Caroline Flack says she cried after the first live Sunday show in early November after being
trolled on social media.
BBC Newsbeat http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/35214581/caroline-flack-cried-after-first-live-
sunday-x-factor-show-after-she-was-trolled
22.02.16
The X Factor: Now Caroline Flack officially quits just hours
after her co-host Olly Murs
But she says she's had a "brilliant time" on the show.
Digital Spy https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/reality-tv/a784324/the-x-factor-now-caroline-flack-officially-quits-just-hours-after-co-host-olly-
murs-but-says-shes-had-a-brilliant-time/
07.04.16
Caroline Flack: No fallout with
Olly Murs after X Factor
Caroline Flack has denied that she has fallen out with her former X Factor co-presenter Olly Murs.
BBC Newsbeat http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/35985905/caroline-flack-no-fallout-with-olly-
murs-after-x-factor
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24.04.18
THE BRADY BUNCH Love
Island’s Caroline Flack ‘wants to
have babies with Andrew Brady and thinks he’s
The One’
The pair started dating in February and are already smitten
The Sun https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/6131867/love-island-caroline-flack-wants-
babies-andrew-brady/
29.04.18
Caroline Flack engaged to
Andrew Brady after three
months of dating
Love Island host Caroline Flack has revealed she is engaged to
boyfriend Andrew Brady after just three months of dating.
Evening Standard https://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/celebrity-news/caroline-flack-engaged-to-andrew-
brady-after-three-months-of-dating-a3826341.html
27.05.18
CAN'T BEAR TO BE APART
Caroline Flack has taken fiance Andrew Brady to Majorca with her for Love Island filming – and
they’re already sharing loved-up
selfies
The TV host has jetted out to prepare for the launch and her man
has come along for the ride
The Sun https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/6391395/caroline-flack-andrew-brady-majorca-
love-island-selfies/
30.05.18
Love Island: What makes
Caroline Flack turn into a 'melt'?
It's not often you come across a TV series which is groundbreaking,
revolutionary, genre-defying, innovative, challenging and
entertaining all at the same time.
BBC News https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-44002130
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12.07.18
WHAT THE FLACK? How the Love Island host Caroline Flack’s
intense love affair with Andrew Brady turned
toxic
Just 24 hours after Apprentice's Andrew Brady dumped her on
Instagram without telling Caroline, he spoke to producers from Celebs
Go Dating
The Sun https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/6756738/love-island-caroline-flack-andrew-
brady/
12.08.18
IT'S FLACK ON Caroline Flack is back with her ex fiancé Andrew
Brady after romantic reunion — but vows to
take things slow
The couple were spotted on a make-or-break trip in Ibiza as well
as kissing at a restaurant in London recently
The Sun https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/6999444/caroline-flack-back-with-andrew-
brady/
29.02.19
Caroline Flack ‘moves on from
ex-fiance Andrew Brady with
personal trainer’
Caroline Flack is said to have moved on from her ex-fiance
Andrew Brady with new boy and personal trainer, Bradley
Simmonds.
Metro https://metro.co.uk/2019/02/12/caroline-flack-moves-ex-fiance-andrew-brady-
personal-trainer-8572104/
17.10.19
Caroline Flack to present plastic
surgery entertainment
show for Channel 4
Contestants will try to win the chance to go under the knife in a
new Channel 4 series.
ATV Today https://www.atvtoday.co.uk/136234-bbc/
17.10.19
UNDER THE STRIFE Caroline
Flack’s plastic surgery show
bosses insist ‘ops are mainstream in UK’ as they
CHANNEL 4 bosses have insisted that Caroline Flack’s new show The
Surjury is designed to reflect shifting attitudes towards plastic
surgery.
The Sun https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/10155077/caroline-flack-plastic-surgery-show-
the-surjury-channel-4/
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face major backlash
17.10.19
Caroline Flack's plastic surgery entertainment
show The Surjury is a new low for
television
Contestants will try to convince a jury they should go ahead with a plastic surgery of their choice. It's
dangerous and exploitative
I News https://inews.co.uk/culture/television/caroline-flack-plastic-surgery-the-surjury-channel-
4-816220
29.11.19
FLACK ATTACK Caroline Flack’s ex Andrew Brady
slams her as ‘toxic’ and says split ‘saved his
life’ as he covers up tattoo
CAROLINE Flack's bitter ex fiancé Andrew Brady has slammed her as "toxic" and admitted their break-up
"saved my life."
The Sun https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/10442948/caroline-flacks-ex-andrew-brady-slams-her-as-toxic-and-says-split-saved-
his-life-as-he-covers-up-tattoo/
12.12.19
Caroline Flack worried work will stop her having
kids as she nears 40th birthday
The 39-year-old Love Island host 'feels like she is being selfish' as
she puts her career first
The Mirror https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/caroline-flack-worried-work-stop-
18915055
13.12.19
Caroline Flack arrested and charged with
assault after fight with man
believed to be boyfriend
Presenter was taken into custody by officers at the home she shares
with her boyfriend in London
The Independent https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/caroline-flack-
arrested-fight-boyfriend-love-island-lewis-burton-domestic-abuse-a9245736.html
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13.12.19
Caroline Flack: Love Island host
charged with assault by
beating
Love Island host Caroline Flack has been charged with assault by
beating following an incident at her north London home.
BBC News https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-50785152
14.12.19
Caroline Flack terrified her
‘future in TV is over’ after being
arrested for assaulting boyfriend
Caroline Flack is said to be terrified about her future in TV after she was arrested for allegedly assaulting her
boyfriend Lewis Burton.
Metro https://metro.co.uk/2019/12/14/caroline-flack-terrified-future-tv-arrested-assaulting-
boyfriend-11908692/
17.12.19
Caroline Flack quits as Love
Island host after assault charge
TV presenter says she does not want to ‘detract attention from the
upcoming series’
The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/dec/17/caroline-flack-quits-as-
love-island-host-after-assault-chage
17.12.19
FLACK OFF Devastated
Caroline Flack quits Love Island
after assault charge
CAROLINE Flack is standing down as Love Island host after being charged with assault following a
bust-up at her home, The Sun can reveal.
The Sun https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/love-island/10568764/caroline-flack-quits-love-
island/
19.12.19
CUT HER SOME FLACK Caroline Flack’s journey from the ‘sickly’
Enfield kid bullied for her skinny
legs to troubled Love Island star
WHETHER you know her for being ‘the face’ of Love Island or as the
woman who dated Prince Harry and Harry Styles, it’s fair to say Caroline Flack rise to fame hasn’t been an
easy one.
The Sun https://www.thesun.co.uk/fabulous/10572085/caroline-flack-career-bullied-kid-love-
island-star/
23.12.19
Caroline Flack: Love Island host denies assaulting
boyfriend
Former Love Island presenter Caroline Flack has pleaded not
guilty to assaulting her boyfriend with a lamp.
BBC News https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-50890079
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15.02.20
Caroline Flack death: Former
Love Island presenter found
dead at flat, aged 40
Stars pay tribute after family confirms TV host took her own life
The Independent https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/caroline-flack-dead-love-
island-host-a9337581.html
16.02.20
Love Island presenter
Caroline Flack took her life three
weeks before assault trial
Presenter's management last night attacked CPS and said prosecution was a 'show trial' which was 'not in
the public interest'
The Telegraph https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/02/15/caroline-flack-dead-reports-claim/
16.02.20
Caroline Flack's death is as tragic
as it is anger-inducing
Like the Love Island contestants the presenter rooted for, a hidden
fragility makes her death all the more devastating
The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2020/feb/16/caroline-flack-the-sparky-
presenters-death-is-a-stomach-churning-shock
17.02.20
Caroline Flack battled 'demons'
in secret after Strictly win, says Kristina Rihanoff
Former Strictly Come Dancing pro Kristina Rihanoff said close pal
Caroline Flack was 'battling inner conflict' and had a lot of 'insecurities
and vulnerability'
The Mirror https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/caroline-flack-battled-demons-secret-
21513726
03.03.20
Caroline Flack and Olly Murs' unbreakable
'flirty' bond and their secret dating
pact
Caroline Flack and Olly Murs hit it off the second they met on The Xtra
Factor in 2011 and kept fans captivated with their chemistry
The Mirror https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/caroline-flack-olly-murs-unbreakable-
21615925
05.03.20
Caroline Flack: ITV boss says
staff 'devastated' by her death
Carolyn McCall addresses issue of suicide and says channel focused
on its duty of care
The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2020/mar/05/caroline-flack-itv-boss-
says-staff-devastated-by-her-death
LMP and CHH Example
The presentation of Caroline Flack by the British Media November 2007 - March 2020
Identifying overall patterns in negative and positive language use
● Both broadsheet and tabloid newspapers use negative and positive language to describe Flack.
● The majority of negative headlines are associated with times when Flack was experiencing either personal or career lows, for example her break ups with partners.
● The majority of the positive headlines are associated with Flack’s career success and the reflections following her death.
● Her appearance is often seen positively (and only commented upon by tabloid newspapers), whereas her actions are seen negatively.
● The majority of the language used in the headlines is mirrored in the subheadings, further supporting the negative or positive view being shared by the article.
● Negative language isn’t just linked to Flack’s actions, they are also used to describe projects she is linked to.
Caroline Flack had a turbulent relationship with the press throughout her life: they covered both the extreme highs and lows of all aspects of her life. She is the focus of our investigation as there are widely differing headlines about her from a variety of mainstream news outlets which will provide us with a diverse corpus to then analyse.
How the media perceived Caroline Flack Nov 2007 to March 2020
Influence of events on negative headlines
The majority of the negative headlines about Flack herself are associated with times when Flack was experiencing either personal or career lows, for example her break ups with partners. This is most evident following her break up from Harry Styles where she recalls ‘It was a laugh, until I started being called paedophile in the street’ (The Independent, 2015); interestingly, this negative headline was published over three years after the breakup. Through quoting Flack herself using ‘paedophile’, which in itself is a highly controversial term, The Independent is arguably sensationalising a news story which would otherwise be uninteresting to all those but her most ardent followers. The retrospective negative portrayal of her relationships is furthered by Brady, her ex-finance, labelling their relationship as ‘toxic’ (The Sun, 2019).
Grice’s Maxims
Whilst the majority of the headlines conform to Grice’s Maxims (1975), there are a few which flout them, such as:
● ‘Caroline Flack death: Former Love Island presenter found dead at flat, aged 40’ (The Independent, 2020). This flouts the maxim of quantity as ‘aged 40’ is unnecessary information, however it does clearly highlight the tragedy of her death at such a young age.
● ‘She's a pin-up girl! Caroline Flack oozes retro glamour in tight top and high-waisted shorts... as she kicks of Strictly Come Dancing tour’ (Daily Mail, 2015). This arguably flouts the maxim of relevance as the focus of the article is the Strictly Come Dancing tour, not her outfit! As such, the headline places emphasis upon Flack as a desirable figure, making her seem more important than the tour itself.
Language use by the British media
Positive Negative
‘Not your typical’ (Daily Mail 30.11.07)‘Star’ (BBC Newsbeat 28.08.14)‘Glitzy signature shorts’ (DM 03.09.14)‘Delight’ (Metro 29.11.14)‘Pin up girl’ (DM 17.0.15)‘Lucky’ (Express 28.11.15)‘Brady Bunch’ (The Sun 24.04.18)‘Engaged’ (Evening Standard 29.04.18)‘Loved up selfies’ (The Sun 27.05.18)‘Tragic [death]’ (The Guardian 16.02.020)‘Unbreakable ‘flirty’ bond’ (The Mirror 03.03.20)‘Devastated [by death]’ (The Guardian 05.03.20)
‘Teased’ (Capital FM 13.12.11)‘Single’ (The Telegraph 23.05.15)‘Paedophile in the street’ (Independent 11.10.15)‘Cried...trolled’ (BBC Newsbeat 02.01.16)‘Quits’ (Digital Spy 22.02.16)‘Intense… toxic’ (The Sun 12.07.18)‘Ex-fiance’ (Metro 29.02.19)‘Strife’ (The Sun 17.10.19)‘Flack Attack’ (The Sun 29.11.19)‘Arrested’ (The Independent 13.12.19)‘Assault… beating’ (BBC News 13.12.19)‘Assault’ (The Guardian; The Sun 17.12.19)
Broadsheet vs.’ tabloid media outlets
Both tabloid and broadsheet media outlets covered elements of Flack’s life. Interestingly, in contrast to the images of the front covers from the Sunday Mirror and The Sunday Times from after her suicide, the corpus data does not show a significant difference in the language used to describe her.
The ethics of journalism
It is widely recognised that the target demographic of the Daily Mail are lower-middle class British women, who have an interest in celebrity and gossip. This is exemplified through the headline ‘Strictly stylish: Caroline Flack shows off tanned legs in glitzy signature shorts at the Strictly Come Dancing launch’ (Daily Mail, 2014) which does not actually share any new information with the audience, but rather has been sparked by an image of Flack where she is deemed to be looking ‘Stylish’. This may be particularly interesting to the target demographic as they wish to follow the lives of celebrities, even when there is nothing new to report. The subheading ‘Low key look: Caroline Flack sported her favourite leg-baring shorts at the Strictly Come Dancing launch’ (Daily Mail, 2014), further supports this notion, implying that the way a celebrity looks is worthy of reporting as ‘news’.
Conclusion
Based on our study of Caroline Flack, that the British media will create sensational headlines around both a celebrity’s personal life, and their career, in order to appeal to their target demographic and maintain their readership.
LMP & CHH Example
Caroline Flack Language Investigation
LMP & CHH Example
Caroline Flack - who was she?Caroline Flack was a television personality who was known for
presenting the popular ITV shows Love Island and The Xtra
Factor, alongside being the winner of Strictly Come Dancing in
2014. She was also known for her tumultuous love life, with
the media speculating about her relationships with Prince
Harry, Harry Styles and Andrew Brady.
At the end of last year, Flack faced assault charges which
resulted in even more media coverage of her life. She tragically
committed suicide in February 2020.
Caroline Flack - why is she my focus?Caroline Flack had a turbulent relationship with the press
throughout her life: they covered both the extreme highs and
lows of all aspects of her life. She is the focus of my
investigation as there are widely differing headlines about her
from a variety of mainstream news outlets which will provide
me with a diverse corpus to then analyse. Furthermore, the
media coverage spans many years and reflects big events in
her life, allowing the presentation of her in the press to be
explored in more depth.
Corpus
The full corpus is attached as a word document.
Language UseAs was shown through the graph, the headlines from our corpus differed in their presentation of Flack;
some were highly positive whilst others were undeniably negative. These portrayals of Flack were created
through the language choices, as summarised in the table below:
Positive Negative
‘Not your typical’ (Daily Mail 30.11.07)‘Star’ (BBC Newsbeat 28.08.14)‘Glitzy signature shorts’ (Daily Mail 03.09.14)‘Delight’ (Metro 29.11.14)‘Pin up girl’ (Daily Mail 17.0.15)‘Lucky’ (Express 28.11.15)‘Brady Bunch’ (The Sun 24.04.18)‘Engaged’ (Evening Standard 29.04.18)‘Loved up selfies’ (The Sun 27.05.18)‘Tragic [death]’ (The Guardian 16.02.020)‘Unbreakable ‘flirty’ bond’ (The Mirror 03.03.20)‘Devastated [by death]’ (The Guardian 05.03.20)
‘Teased’ (Capital FM 13.12.11)‘Single’ (The Telegraph 23.05.15)‘Paedophile in the street’ (Independent 11.10.15)‘Cried...trolled’ (BBC Newsbeat 02.01.16)‘Quits’ (Digital Spy 22.02.16)‘Intense… toxic’ (The Sun 12.07.18)‘Ex-fiance’ (Metro 29.02.19)‘Strife’ (The Sun 17.10.19)‘Flack Attack’ (The Sun 29.11.19)‘Arrested’ (The Independent 13.12.19)‘Assault… beating’ (BBC News 13.12.19)‘Assault’ (The Guardian; The Sun 17.12.19)
Tabloid/Broadsheet PresentationBoth tabloid and broadsheet media outlets
covered elements of Flack’s life. Interestingly, in
contrast to the images of the front covers from the
Sunday Mirror and The Sunday Times from after
her suicide, the corpus data does not show a
significant difference in the language used to
describe her. This is most evident through the use
of the noun ‘assault’ in headlines from both The
Guardian and The Sun (17.12.19); the negative
connotations are inescapable, however it could be
argued that both media outlets are merely
reporting on the attack, using legal terms.
Influence of events on negative headlines
The majority of the negative headlines about Flack herself are
associated with times when Flack was experiencing either
personal or career lows, for example her break ups with partners.
This is most evident following her break up from Harry Styles
where she recalls ‘It was a laugh, until I started being called
paedophile in the street’ (The Independent, 2015); interestingly,
this negative headline was published over three years after the
breakup. Through quoting Flack herself using ‘paedophile’, which
in itself is a highly controversial term, The Independent is arguably
sensationalising a news story which would otherwise be
uninteresting to all those but her most ardent followers. The
retrospective negative portrayal of her relationships is furthered
by Brady, her ex-finance, labelling their relationship as ‘toxic’ (The
Sun, 2019).
Influence of events on positive headlinesWhilst Caroline Flack was alive, the majority of the positive
headlines about her were linked to her career and her appearance.
She was referred to as a ‘star’ (BBC Newsbeat, 2014) and a ‘pin up
girl’ (Daily Mail, 2015) in relation to her appearance on Strictly
Come Dancing and its subsequent tour. In itself, Strictly is known as
an extravagant Saturday night TV programme which further
contributes to the positive presentation of her as a desirable figure.
After her death there was a marked change in media representation
of her from someone accused of assault to someone whose death
had a devastating impact. The Guardian reported upon her ‘tragic’
death (2020) and that those who knew her were ‘devastated’ by her
death (2020). The conscious use of such emotive language clearly
portrays her as a positive figure, thereby negating the previously
negative coverage.
Grice’s Maxims
Whilst the majority of the headlines conform to Grice’s Maxims (1975), there are a few which flout them,
such as:
● ‘Caroline Flack death: Former Love Island presenter found dead at flat, aged 40’ (The
Independent, 2020). This flouts the maxim of quantity as ‘aged 40’ is unnecessary information,
however it does clearly highlight the tragedy of her death at such a young age.
● ‘She's a pin-up girl! Caroline Flack oozes retro glamour in tight top and high-waisted shorts... as
she kicks of Strictly Come Dancing tour’ (Daily Mail, 2015). This arguably flouts the maxim of
relevance as the focus of the article is the Strictly Come Dancing tour, not her outfit! As such,
the headline places emphasis upon Flack as a desirable figure, making her seem more
important than the tour itself.
The Ethics of Journalism
Whilst exploring the corpus headlines, the ethics of journalism and media bias cannot be ignored as often
this will frame the perspective of the story. The editor of a media outlet will have an awareness of who their
target audience is, and isn’t, and will ensure that the news stories they produce reflect this.
For example, it is widely recognised that the target demographic of the Daily Mail are lower-middle class
British women, who have an interest in celebrity and gossip. This is exemplified through the headline
‘Strictly stylish: Caroline Flack shows off tanned legs in glitzy signature shorts at the Strictly Come Dancing
launch’ (Daily Mail, 2014) which does not actually share any new information with the audience, but rather
has been sparked by an image of Flack where she is deemed to be looking ‘Stylish’. This may be particularly
interesting to the target demographic as they wish to follow the lives of celebrities, even when there is
nothing new to report. The subheading ‘Low key look: Caroline Flack sported her favourite leg-baring shorts
at the Strictly Come Dancing launch’ (Daily Mail, 2014), further supports this notion, implying that the way a
celebrity looks is worthy of reporting as ‘news’.
Stuart Hall: Reception Theory (1973)Approaching the headlines in the corpus with a
constructionist view, it would be argued that the
representation of Caroline Flack in the media is at times a
sensationalist version of events in real life, sometimes
foregrounding trivial elements which are not unbiased
news. Furthermore, taking this approach it could be
perceived that the coverage of the alleged assault was
manipulated in order to create a depiction of Flack as
violent, a representation which altered entirely following
her suicide. As such, this sudden shift in portrayal may call
into question the earlier presentation of Flack and therefore
lead to the reader having a negotiated reading of the
previous headlines.
ConclusionIt can be argued, based on our study of
Caroline Flack, that the British media will
create sensational headlines around both a
celebrity’s personal life, and their career, in
order to appeal to their target demographic
and maintain their readership. Furthermore,
through the headlines analysed from the
corpus, it appears that the representation of
the celebrity is reflective of the events being
reported, whether they be actual news or
merely speculative. Through this, the media
are able to consciously manipulate the
public perception of the celebrity, in this
case Caroline Flack.
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