Photographs and Cartoons in Magazine Ganesh Kumar Ranjan

Photographs and Cartoons in Magazine Ganesh Kumar Ranjan Faculty, MJMC, MMHAPU, Patna

Photographs and Cartoons in Magazine In contemporary society, newspaper and magazines remain among the media of mass communication through which people are informed. These newspapers and magazines are filled with photograph and cartoons that no one can at this time imagine or think of any of such publications without photographs and cartoons. Indeed they have become an indispensable part of the print media especially when they contribute immensely in the process of informing, educating and entertaining the readers.

Meaning of Photojournalism Photo-journalism means communicating to a mass audience by means of photographs or pictorial communication. Reporters with the use of words paint mental pictures in an effort to describe reality. But, there are limits to which words can go in this effort. So, to drive the point home or bring reader closer to the scene, print media practitioner resort to the use of photographs. Photographs add credibility to a story.

Meaning of Cartoons are humorous drawings or art work, often used in newspaper and magazines to communicate to the readers. Although cartoons are often accompanied with words, a typical cartoon can exist and achieve the intended meaning without words (Nwodu, 011). Like photographs, cartoons have become an indispensable part of the print media that most often, some publication have editorial cartoon expressing the view of the publication in a satirical way.

Why Newspapers//Books/Magazines Use Photographs There are so many reasons newspapers and magazines use photographs in their publications. These include: • to beautify the page or page make-up • as proof of reality/authenticity • to show that the media house was at the scene of the event • attract the attention of readers. • they could be used as fillers.

Why Newspapers and Magazines Use Cartoons There are so many reasons newspapers and magazines make use of cartoons. These include: • to beautify the page • present serious issues in humorous way • to avoid legal action • attract the attention of readers • appeals to both literate and illiterate audience • acts as a weapon against social vices.

No doubt, newspaper and magazines resort to the use of cartoons to attract the attention of the readers, educate, inform and entertain them. More so, cartoons present serious issues in a satirical way and can appeal to all and sundry irrespective of the social status or literacy level. Resently, photographs and cartoons have become a common feature of newspapers and magazines. In this unit, you were exposed to the meaning of photojournalism and cartoons in newspapers and magazines, and why they use them.

ASSIGNMENT Suppose you are given a task of reviewing your departmental magazine which was published without photographs and carton. Tell the editor why photographs and cartoons are important. Record the discussion ( with your class friends).