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The Daily Telegraph- interpretations of both kidnapping stories 

1.) Different language is used when describing both cases. Clearly these specific descriptions of both kidnapping cases was used so that the general public view them in a certain way. Social class definitely had a huge part in both cases as 'The Daily Telegraph' were biased in terms of presenting both parents in a negative and positive way through mentioning their occupation. For example Shannon Matthews mother is seen a inferior to Madeline's mother when described as the woman who has "seven children to five fathers". This clearly indicates that she's irresponsible and reliant on a man, therefore unable to look after her own children by herself; automatically leading to the audience judging her and not sympathizing. This information of shannons mothers past partners isn't very relevant to the actual story so this is again leading to a bias and presenting her as this reckless, careless stereotype.

However presenting madeleine's parents in a more positive light by describing them as "her consultant parents" which is technically not relevant and leads to a bias of judgement as it makes them look more superior and stable, leading to the public having a positive judgement. They're occupation also presents status and presents them to be responsible parents.

The McCanns were also very victimized according to the Daily Telegraph when numerously mentioned that Madeleine was "snatched" from them, this has an emotive impact as the general public would sympathize with them. Also using words such as "clutching", "traumatized" and "tearfully"again viewing them as victims and not blamed for, even though these parents were rather negligent by partying in another building whilst leaving the door unlocked. However due to their social class they're seen as superior.

When first describing shannons mother they used the phrase "the head of a dysfunctional family" clearly portraying her again as this negative stereotype.

The messages and values that these different text present is this divide of social class and importance. However others could argue that due to shannon's own mother kidnapping her of course she should be presented negatively, however maybe The Daily Telegraph had over exaggerated this negative persona and glorified the one of a "noble middle class" background.

2.)Both chosen pictures are also socially constructed according to The Daily Telegraph as this again is promoting Madeleine's case to be more glorified and positive as the image is of Madeline innocently playing with her mother holding onto her gently which manipulates the readers to thinking she's a very protecting and good mother. The image also centres the mother and child; symbolising the close physical and mental bond and connection. However Shannons case is presented completely different as The Daily Telegraph chose to separate the mother and child. Clearly showcasing this lack of love, care and protection. This leads to the public not sympathising with the mother. Nevertheless this particular image of the mother is very dull and negative as she looks guilty whilst looking down, distressed and nervous whereas Madelines mother is looking happy and embracing time with her child. However shannon is still presented very innocent as this looks like a school photo. I think the newspaper done this purposely to create the disconnection between the two. This overall again manipulates the public to judge the mothers based on how they're presented which in this case is a clear binary (good and bad).

3.)Hall argues that both news stories are contested and he thinks it's on a social Hierarchy. I think Hall is correct with this statement as both articles written by The Daily Telegraph create this social class division. As they present Shannons mother who is of working class completely negatively as they mention her past affairs and numerous children, this fits into the negative stereotype of an unstable working class mother who's unemployed and living off other men. Whereas Madelines mother who is of middle class is presented more positively; emphasizing her parents successful careers and using a positive picture to present this case. This links to Stuart Hall's theory of the "contested" representation as the clear societal hierarchy is presented through these factors of written text and visual representation. This also links to Stuart Halls input on the 'Reception theory' and how it's based on dominant or preferred readings leading to the general public being more vulnerable and conforming to the way the news articles has presented them. Or already making a judgement based on society's common stereotypes of class.

4.)The dominant reading of this would be that Madeleine's case should be sympathised as her parents are a of wealthy background, raised her with care and had tragically lost her in their private holiday. And this negative view of shannons mother and how she doesn't deserve respect or pity due to her lack of love and attention towards her daughter because of her unemployment, irresponsible behaviour and previous affairs with multiple men. portraying her as this chavvy working class stereotype. Personally I take an oppositional approach to both stories as I am aware society being based on a bourgeoisie and capitalism, meaning that the middle class will just get richer and it's only getting harder for those of working class. So these stories are a great example of this hierarchal society. Even though shannons mother was wrong for this kidnapping scandal and should not be presented well, I think these big newspaper corporates exaggerate and are the perfect example of the media helping to create this social hierarchy. For example maybe the fact that her mother is of a struggling working class background and has an alleged disability this is the only resolution she could think of. But completely presenting Madelines middle class parents of wealthy background and idealist lifestyles very positively and victimising them was very biased and wrong as The daily Telegraph fail to mention the truthful facts of her parents being negligent and irresponsible by leaving their kids alone in another building with the door unlocked whilst they were partying with friends, however the article seems to be justifying their wrongfulness because of their wealth, good occupation and past decent relationship with their daughter. Again just focusing on how their daughter got "snatched" therefore only victimising them.

In Conclusion due to how society is based on capitalism and it's divided into social hierarchies I think media is a huge factor in presenting these typical dominant ideologies of the significance of middle class and not fully understanding and putting importance towards the less advantaged working class. And they tend to manipulate stories based on their own views and social importance.