Language and
Language and Media
Media
GROUP 5
https://www.newsweek.com/astronomer-ceo-embraces-employee-concert-2100254
1. What is the main message conveyed?
The article captures an intimate moment between "Astronomer" CEO
Andy Byron and HR chief Kristin Cabot, framing it as the spark of a major
public-relations scandal. It illustrates how personal behavior, once
caught on camera and circulated online, can quickly escalate into a
corporate crisis. This viral content prompted online investigations and a
broader public conversation on workplace boundaries and infidelity.
2. What language features are prominently used?
Tone
The article uses a tone that is sensational, speculative, and subtly judgmental. It implies scandal and fuels public reaction
without making direct accusations.
Example phrases: “found himself in the limelight”, “romantic clutch”, “Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy”
Style
It also utilizes an attention-grabbing, dramatic style to immediately engage readers, alongside a clear, factual reporting
approach.
Sensational headline and dramatic opening ("Footage rocketing across social media")
Direct quotes from Chris Martin and social media users
Factual updates like profile removals and account deactivations
Lexical Choices
The lexical choices are emotionally loaded and action-driven, emphasizing scandal, fallout, and public response.
Key words/phrases: “rocketing”, “inundated with comments”, “shame”, “embarrassing behind”
3. Are there any visuals or multimodal elements supporting the message?
The article combines text, images, and video
to convey the message. It utilizes visuals
(image and video) to help attract readers
and emphasize the story
It uses a headline photo to support and
enhance the article's title
It includes the video to provide deeper
context and understanding
It is multimodal because it uses multiple
modes for a stronger impact
4. What values or perspectives are represented? Are there any notable omissions?
Values & Perspectives
Public Accountability - CEO’s actions in a public space questioned “...embracing a woman who is not his wife.”
Digital Scrutiny - Viral moment triggers fast online reactions “Kerrigan’s Facebook page was inundated with
comments...”
Sympathy for the Wife - Public shows support for Megan Kerrigan Byron “No woman deserves to wake up to that
kind of news!!”
Corporate Reputation - Byron and Cabot’s roles tied to company image “Kristin’s exceptional leadership… critical
as we continue our rapid trajectory.”
Notable Omissions
No Official Statements from the involved - “Multiple messages sent by Newsweek… were not immediately returned.”
No HR/Company Response - No insight on workplace ethics or company stance
5. How might different audiences interpret this message differently?
To the general public and social media users, the moment was viewed as
humorous or scandalous, leading to rapid online sharing and speculation. In
contrast, employees and industry professionals saw the incident as a serious
breach of workplace ethics and professional conduct. Corporate executives
interpreted it as a governance issue, prompting swift action from the board,
including Byron’s resignation. Privacy advocates raised concerns about the
ethics of broadcasting personal moments without consent, while public relations
experts saw the situation as a cautionary tale in crisis communication, noting the
dangers of delayed corporate response.
