different types of Newspaper Formats Broadsheet Since 1712

different types of Newspaper Formats

Broadsheet

Since 1712, the broadsheet page has been among the most popular newspaper designs in the industry. This 33. 1 -inch by 23. 4 -inch page size became popular when publishers decided they needed to get more information on a single page to cut down on the page count. This is because the British imposed a newspaper tax that was solely based on the number of pages in the publication. Fewer pages meant less tax. The broadsheet became the standard for most American newspapers as well, and today many daily metropolitan newspapers retain the broadsheet design, although at a much narrower spread. Major publications such as The New York Times and The Washington Post are laid out in broadsheet form.

Tabloid

Another popular design for American newspapers is the tabloid. Each page of the tabloid layout is generally 16. 9 inches by 11 inches. It is approximately half the size of the broadsheet design and is often folded in the middle to make an even smaller package. The name tabloid came from the type of newspapers that once used the size almost exclusively. Tabloid journalism featured tightly written stories that were easy to read, and which were often sensational. Although tabloid design was once primarily used by publications such as the National Enquirer or Star, more established newspapers have converted to the smaller size because of its popularity with readers. The New York Daily News and New York Post each use tabloid layouts.

Compact

For newspaper owners who feel they are best served by the tabloid format, but consider themselves to have too high a journalistic standard to be referred to as a tabloid, they opt for the compact design. Compact design is different in name only. The typical compact newspaper design has pages that are 16. 9 inches by 11 inches, the same as the tabloid format. Some presses may have slight variations. The term “compact” was coined in the 1970 s by the Daily Mail when that newspaper went tabloid, although the Mail now calls itself a tabloid. It is often used to differentiate newspapers with more traditional content from those with a flamboyant or salacious publishing style, even though they may share the same size.

What appeals to you? In groups of 2 -3, look over some of the newspapers from our stacks. Discuss the design. What do you like about each type of newspaper? What do you dislike? As we begin designing our new publication, which do you prefer? Be ready to answer each of the following questions after looking through the sample papers. 1. ) Which form do you like the most and why? 2. ) Which paper do you feel allows for more coverage? 3. ) Which format do you think will appeal to our audience? Why do you feel this way? 4. ) Which format do you see people using more (in school, in your home, around town, etc. ) 5. ) Pick one page and explain what you like about the design/layout. You must tell the class three different things.