Newspaper Terminology

Question 1

Masthead/Titlepiece

Answer 1

The newspaper’s title displayed on the frontpage

Question 2

Skyline

Answer 2

An information panel at the top of the front page that tells the reader about other stories in the paper to tempt them inside

Question 3

Editions

Answer 3

• Each issue of the paper (mainly national and regional daily titles) are usually published in several editions
• To cover different areas and to update the news

Question 4

Headline

Answer 4

• A phrase that summarises the main point of the article
• Large in print and aim to catch the attention of the reader

Question 5

Standfirst

Answer 5

• Words linking to the headline of the story
• In smaller types than the headlines but bigger than the story

Question 6

Byline

Answer 6

The line usually above the story
- Gives the author’s name and sometimes their job and location

Question 7

Copy

Answer 7

Something written in order to be printed in a newspaper, magazine, advertisement etc

Question 8

Body text

Answer 8

The copy that makes up the main part of the article, i.e. the story

Question 9

Photograph/graphic

Answer 9

Images that make pages look more interesting, entice people to read articles and aid understanding of stories

Question 10

Caption

Answer 10

A brief description of a photograph/graphic

Question 11

Sidebar

Answer 11

• A panel or box containing copy and a headline, graphics or other information connected to the main story
• Can be eye catching and help break up a story into different elements to help presentation

Question 12

Package

Answer 12

A group of connected stories across one or many pages in the newspaper and on the website

Question 13

Crosshead

Answer 13

• A word or phrase in a bigger and bolder type inserted between two paragraphs in a story to break it up
• Mainly used in features and longer news stories

Question 14

Pullquote

Answer 14

A quote from the story that is enlarged and appears with the text

Question 15

Standalone

Answer 15

A picture story that can exist on its own or on a front page leading to a story inside

Question 16

Imprint

Answer 16

• Legal information and address of the paper
• Tends to be a larger section where a key members of staff are listed

Question 17

Centrespread

Answer 17

​The two facing middle pages of a newspaper or magazine

Question 18

Folio

Answer 18

• The top label for the whole page
• Can relate to the areas covered on that page

Question 19

Page furniture

Answer 19

Everything on the page except for the pictures and bodytext

Question 20

Cut-off

Answer 20

The full column depth of a page, including the margins

Question 21

Banner

Answer 21

A large type of headline running across a newspaper page

Question 22

Leader

Answer 22

The opinion column expressing the newspaper’s view

Question 23

Scoop

Answer 23

An exclusive story obtained by a newspaper to the exclusion of its competitors

Question 24

Strap

Answer 24

Subsidiary smaller headline placed over a main headline

Question 25

Logo

Answer 25

A graphic mark, emblem or symbol used to aid and promote public identification and recognition

Question 26

Jumpline

Answer 26

Line telling the reader where the story is continued

Question 27

Teaser

Answer 27

Text and/or visuals that highlight articles inside the newspaper

Question 28

Plug

Answer 28

Appears on the cover of a magazine or newspaper and gives succinct information about an article or feature within the issue

Question 29

Plug

Answer 29

Appears on the cover of a magazine or newspaper and gives succinct information about an article or feature within the issue

Question 30

Supplement

Answer 30

Consists of material other than news and usually including pictures, comic strips, and light often sensational reading matter