Local Newspaper Layout Conventions

Masthead

Date of publication, web address, price

Advert banner

Ear AdvertisementCut out

Main story image

Headline, Jump line

Advert banner

Byline, contact details

Headline

Strapline

Opening paragraph to story

Jump line

Small image

Plug advertisement

Layout of The Bath Chronicle

Layout to draw ideas from

Layout of Bristol Post

Masthead

Date of publication, price

Advertisement

Local sports team scoresJump line

Strapline

Main imageHeadline

Advert banner

Ear of newspaper advertisements

Social media links

Layout to draw ideas from

Layout of The North Somerset Times

Masthead

Date of publication, price, web address

Jump lineHeadline

Headline

Text body in columns

Advert x3

Headline

Main image

Advert banner

Ear

Layout to draw ideas from

From my layout research I have concluded the following:

• Mastheads are conventionally the largest pieces of text on the front cover and appear mostly in the top left hand corner.

• The date of publication, social media links, web addresses and the price of the newspaper, are conventionally found below or next to (very close by) the masthead.

• There is usually an advertisement in the ear of the newspaper, conventionally on the right hand side.

• Front covers conventionally feature at least one advert banner as well as multiple other advertisements.

• Advertisements are conventionally in bright, bold and colourful fonts so as to attract the reader.

• Headlines of the stories featured are usually found in line with the picture attached.

• Most stories with headlines/images, can be seen to fit into boxes and do not overlap each other – in order for the audience to avoid getting mixed up.