Newspaper Research

After creating a rough layout of my newspaper frontpage, I decided to research more into existing newspapers to establish the conventions when creating a newspaper depending on the type that I am creating. Although I created my layout, I feel that it will be worth researching into the conventions of newspapers so that I can decide whether to break those conventions or not.

Here are some images that I gathered on different tabloids and broadsheets, identifying the differences between them and the conventions of the two types of newspapers that I have noticed.

Tabloids

 

 

 

 

Broadsheets

 

Based on the comparison between tabloids and broadsheets, I have been able to establish the conventions of each type.

Conventions of a Tabloid newspaper frontpage

• Masthead is a moderate size
• Headline sometimes takes up to a half of the front page- contains pun or irony to sensationalise
• Wide range of typefaces and colours
• More advertising
• More information of different stories in the newspaper
• Stories are often exaggerated and sensationalised - easy to understand and are less detailed. which relates to target audience suggesting they are less educated or reading for leisure rather than to be educated.
• More spacing between words (leading) to make it easier to read
• Newspaper layout often in columns of 5
• Size of tabloid is smaller than a broadsheet

Conventions of a Broadsheet newspaper frontpage

• Masthead does not attract attention as much
• Headline does not take up as much space
• Minimal use of varied typefaces and colours
• Not as much advertising of competitions
• Detailed information on main story
• Less spacing between words (leading)
• Newspaper in columns of 5-8
• Broadsheets are bigger in size as opposed to tabloids