Class notes
Class notes
Crony journalism
Crony journalism refers to a type of journalism that is influenced by close relationships
between journalists, politicians, or business leaders, often resulting in biased or
compromised reporting. This phenomenon can manifest in various ways, including:
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● The rise of crony journalism can lead to the decline of good journalism, as
legitimate media outlets struggle to compete with those backed by political or
corporate interests.
By acknowledging and addressing these issues, we can work towards a more balanced
and accountable media landscape.
Newsroom Operation
1. Attention to Detail
Sub-editors must have a sharp eye for detail to catch any factual inaccuracies,
grammatical errors, or inconsistencies in the content.
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2. Excellent Language Skills
Strong command over language, grammar, and style is essential for a sub-editor,
as they refine content to improve readability and clarity.
3. Critical Thinking
Sub-editors should assess news pieces objectively, questioning ambiguities or
assumptions to ensure clarity and factual integrity.
4. Adaptability and Calmness Under Pressure
Newsrooms are fast-paced, and sub-editors need to be able to handle multiple
tasks, prioritize, and meet deadlines without compromising quality.
5. News Sense and Awareness
A good sub-editor understands what makes news relevant, interesting, and
accurate, and they should have an understanding of current affairs and audience
interests.
6. Technological Proficiency
Familiarity with content management systems (CMS), image editing software,
and basic SEO practices can enhance a sub-editor’s efficiency and the visibility
of online content.
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4. Ensuring Clarity and Consistency
Sub-editors reorganize content, trim redundant details, and ensure each story
flows logically and presents information clearly.
5. Coordinating with Reporters and Editors
Sub-editors often liaise with reporters and senior editors to clarify content or
request additional information when needed.
6. Enhancing SEO and Online Readability
For digital publications, sub-editors optimize articles for SEO, including keyword
usage, meta descriptions, and linking strategies to improve online visibility.
In summary, a sub-editor’s role requires meticulous editing skills, the ability to manage
time effectively, and a strong understanding of journalistic standards to support the
newsroom's smooth and efficient operation.
Fundamentals of Editing
The fundamentals of editing encompass various aspects, each focused on refining and
improving the quality of written content to meet professional standards. Here’s a
breakdown of key elements involved in editing:
1. Copy Testing
● Purpose: Copy testing is the initial evaluation of a piece of writing to determine its
effectiveness, clarity, and accuracy.
● Process: Editors assess the copy’s readability, coherence, target audience
alignment, and overall message before making revisions to polish it for publication.
● Purpose of Copy Testing
The goal of copy testing is to refine the content so it’s error-free, engaging, and
suitable for the audience. It’s a quality control process that guarantees readers get
a well-crafted, credible, and valuable reading experience.
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Copy testing, in simple terms, is the process of carefully reviewing a piece of writing
(or "copy") to make sure it is clear, accurate, and effective before it’s published or
shared. Here’s what it involves at its core:
1. Checking for Clarity: Ensuring the copy is easy to understand, flows well, and
gets the intended message across without confusing the reader.
2. Fact-Checking: Verifying that all facts, names, dates, and other details are
correct to prevent errors and maintain credibility.
3. Improving Readability: Adjusting the tone, structure, and language to fit the
target audience and make the content engaging.
4. Correcting Grammar and Style: Fixing spelling, punctuation, and grammar
issues, and aligning the copy with the publication’s style guide.
5. Testing for Purpose and Impact: Making sure the copy achieves its purpose,
whether it's to inform, persuade, or entertain, and that it does so effectively.
Copy testing is an essential step to make sure the final copy is polished,
professional, and ready for publication.
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● Using Shortened Expressions: Opting for simpler or shorter words and structures
that convey the message effectively but concisely.
● Accuracy: Verifying all facts, names, and figures to prevent misinformation and
maintain credibility.
● Objectivity: Ensuring the copy is neutral and unbiased, especially in news or factual
reporting, by avoiding personal opinions or slanted language.
● Consistency: Applying consistent terminology, style, and format throughout the
copy for a professional and cohesive look.
● Fairness: Avoiding favoritism or misrepresentation by presenting all sides of a story
objectively and honestly.
● Taste: Ensuring content is appropriate and respectful to avoid offending readers,
while being sensitive to cultural and social issues.
● Legal Propriety: Making sure content complies with legal standards, avoiding libel,
invasion of privacy, or copyright infringement to protect the publication legally.
● Definition: A style book, or style guide, provides rules and guidelines for writing,
punctuation, spelling, and formatting specific to a publication or organization.
● Purpose: It ensures consistency across all published materials, helping editors apply
the same language style, tone, and presentation across content.
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● Press Releases: Editing press releases involves verifying details, ensuring clarity,
adjusting tone to suit the target audience, and often condensing or rephrasing
content for readability and flow.
Each of these editing fundamentals helps ensure content is well-crafted, accurate, legally
safe, and engaging, maintaining the publication’s credibility and readability standards.
Headlines
Traditional & Modern Headlines
Serif Fonts: Classic and traditional designs often employ serif fonts,
characterized by small lines or flourishes at the ends of letters. These fonts are
commonly used in print media, such as newspapers and magazines.
Inverted Pyramid: Traditional journalistic headlines typically follow the inverted
pyramid structure, identifying the “who” or “what” central to the news story, and
providing essential information in a concise manner.
Straightforward: Traditional headlines often aim to simply inform readers about
the content, using a straightforward and factual approach.
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Display Fonts: Modern headlines often incorporate display fonts, specifically
designed to draw attention and create visual interest. These fonts can convey
various moods and tones, ranging from bold and dramatic to playful and
whimsical.
Sensationalistic Tactics: Modern headlines may employ sensationalistic
strategies, such as forward referencing, personalization, “soft” news structures,
and listicles, to entice readers and create curiosity.
Question Headlines: Modern headlines may pose questions to readers,
encouraging them to engage with the content and seek answers within the
article.
Relational Headlines: Modern headlines often connect readers to the subject
matter by using second-person language, relating the topic to the reader and
encouraging them to explore the content.
How-To Headlines: Modern headlines may use the “how-to” format, providing
readers with a clear expectation of the content’s purpose and tone.
Key Takeaways
● Traditional headlines tend to focus on simplicity, straightforwardness, and factual
information.
● Modern headlines often incorporate sensationalistic tactics, display fonts, and
relational language to create curiosity and engagement.
● Both traditional and modern headline styles aim to capture readers’ attention and
entice them to explore the content.
Note: The distinction between traditional and modern headline styles is not necessarily
a binary opposition, as many modern headlines still incorporate elements of traditional
styles, and vice versa.
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Editorial Page vs. News Pages
● Editorial Page: This page is reserved for opinion pieces and analysis. It includes
editorials (the publication’s official stance on current issues), middles (personal
or humorous opinion pieces), features (in-depth articles that go beyond news
events to analyze trends), columns (regular opinion pieces by specific writers),
and letters to the editor (opinions from readers). The editorial page reflects the
perspective and voice of the publication, often providing insight, critique, or
guidance on societal or political issues.
● News Pages: The news pages present factual reporting without personal
opinions. They follow journalistic standards of impartiality and aim to inform
readers of events without editorial commentary. These pages focus on current
events, factual reporting, and objective coverage.
Types of Editorials
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Editorial Components
A leader writer crafts the editorial opinions of the publication, requiring specific qualities
and a strong sense of responsibility:
1. Qualities:
○ Objectivity: Although opinionated, they must present balanced
arguments, considering all sides fairly.
○ Analytical Thinking: Ability to dissect complex issues and present them
clearly.
○ Good Writing Skills: Clear, persuasive, and engaging language is
essential.
○ Knowledgeable and Well-Informed: Must stay updated on current
affairs, social, political, and economic issues.
2. Responsibilities:
○ Shaping Public Opinion: Help readers understand issues and influence
public debate responsibly.
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○ Maintaining Editorial Integrity: Uphold ethical standards, avoid biases,
and support principles of truth and fairness.
○ Reflecting the Publication’s Stance: Ensure that opinions align with the
publication’s values without alienating readers.
By adopting these new trends, modern headline writing aims to balance clarity,
searchability, and engagement in a competitive digital landscape.
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● Editorial Page: This page is reserved for opinion pieces and analysis. It includes
editorials (the publication’s official stance on current issues), middles (personal
or humorous opinion pieces), features (in-depth articles that go beyond news
events to analyze trends), columns (regular opinion pieces by specific writers),
and letters to the editor (opinions from readers). The editorial page reflects the
perspective and voice of the publication, often providing insight, critique, or
guidance on societal or political issues.
● News Pages: The news pages present factual reporting without personal
opinions. They follow journalistic standards of impartiality and aim to inform
readers of events without editorial commentary. These pages focus on current
events, factual reporting, and objective coverage.
Pagination
Pagination in publishing refers to the organization and layout of pages to ensure a visually
appealing, legible, and engaging reading experience. Here’s how typography, makeup, and
artistic design principles play a role
Pagination in Design
Pagination refers to how content is divided across pages and is especially critical for print
media (like newspapers, magazines) and digital formats (like e-books, online articles).
Effective pagination enhances readability, navigability, and layout cohesion.
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● Strategic Flow: Content is placed to guide the reader’s eye naturally. For example,
feature stories may be broken into multi-page spreads with enticing subheads,
images, and pull quotes, while straightforward news articles might fit within
single-page confines.
● White Space: Intentional use of white space (the blank areas between elements)
prevents overcrowding, allowing the eyes to rest and improving focus on the text.
● Section Breaks: Use of section titles, columns, and margins defines separate parts
of the content, making complex information easier to digest and locate.
Typography involves choosing and arranging fonts to make text easy to read, with a focus
on clarity, spacing, and style. Typography choices significantly affect how comfortably
readers can consume content.
1. Font Choice:
○ Serif Fonts (e.g., Times New Roman, Georgia) are typically used for print due
to their “feet,” which guide the eye along the line of text.
○ Sans-serif Fonts (e.g., Arial, Helvetica) are often preferred for digital reading
because they appear cleaner on screens.
○ Limit Font Families: Using one or two fonts keeps the design clean and
avoids visual clutter.
2. Font Size:
○ Standard Reading Size: For print, a font size between 10–12 pt is optimal,
whereas digital text might require slightly larger sizes, like 16–18 pt, to
account for screen readability.
○ Hierarchy with Size: Larger font sizes for headings and subheadings create
a clear hierarchy, making content easier to scan.
3. Line Spacing (Leading):
○ Adequate Line Spacing: Spacing between lines should typically be 1.2 to 1.5
times the font size to reduce crowding, prevent eye strain, and enhance
readability.
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4. Letter Spacing (Kerning) and Word Spacing:
○ Kerning: Adjusting the spacing between characters prevents letters from
appearing cramped, especially in headlines.
○ Word Spacing: Proper spacing between words helps avoid jumbled
appearances and allows readers to recognize words more fluidly.
5. Contrast:
○ Text and Background: High contrast (e.g., black text on a white background)
improves legibility, while low contrast strains the eyes.
○ Use of Colors: Avoid bright or similar-colored text and backgrounds; instead,
use dark text on light backgrounds or vice versa.
6. Alignment and Justification:
○ Left Alignment: Left-aligned text is more readable as it creates a consistent
starting point for each line, making it easier for the eyes to track.
○ Avoid Full Justification for Small Columns: Full justification can create
uneven spacing, or "rivers" of white space, especially in narrow columns.
7. Headings, Subheadings, and Visual Hierarchy:
○ Clear Hierarchy: Headings, subheadings, and body text should be visually
distinct to signal the organization of content.
○ Use of Bold and Italics: Emphasize keywords or phrases without overusing
them, as too much styling can be distracting.
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The principles of artistic design—balance, contrast, proportion, and unity—are
fundamental in creating visually engaging and cohesive compositions. Here’s an overview
of each principle:
1. Balance
● Definition: Balance refers to the visual weight distribution within a design, ensuring
no single part of the composition overpowers another. It creates a sense of stability.
● Types:
○ Symmetrical Balance: Elements are evenly arranged on either side of a
central axis, creating a mirror-like effect that feels formal and stable.
○ Asymmetrical Balance: Elements are unevenly arranged but still balanced
through color, size, or shape. This style feels more dynamic and informal.
○ Radial Balance: Elements radiate from a central point, commonly seen in
circular designs and patterns.
● Purpose: Balance guides the viewer’s eye through the composition naturally,
making it feel harmonious and grounded.
2. Contrast
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3. Proportion
● Definition: Proportion relates to the size and scale relationship between elements
within a design. It helps convey a sense of realism and order.
● Applications:
○ Human Proportion: Particularly in designs that include figures, realistic
proportions create a relatable visual experience.
○ Hierarchy and Emphasis: By manipulating proportion, designers can
highlight more important elements and downplay secondary ones.
● Purpose: Proportion ensures that all parts relate harmoniously to each other,
maintaining the balance and enhancing readability.
4. Unity
● Definition: Unity creates a cohesive look by ensuring all elements feel like part of a
whole. It’s the result of consistent use of color, style, and alignment.
● Techniques:
○ Repetition: Using similar colors, shapes, or patterns to tie elements
together.
○ Alignment and Proximity: Placing related elements close to each other to
show they belong together.
○ Consistency in Style: Applying the same design language (e.g., similar fonts,
iconography) to unify the visual experience.
● Purpose: Unity helps the design feel complete and makes it easier for viewers to
engage with the content intuitivel
Together, balance, contrast, proportion, and unity create well-composed designs that
are both visually appealing and functionally effective, guiding viewers through the content
in an intentional and harmonious way.
Special effects
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In design, special effects like wraparounds, skews, photo cutouts, mortises, insets,
screens, reverses, infographics, cartoons, and caricatures enhance visual appeal and
engagement, particularly in print and digital layouts. Here’s an overview of each effect:
● Wraparounds: Text wraps around images or objects, rather than following a strict
rectangular column, creating a more dynamic look. This technique draws attention
to visuals and makes the layout flow naturally around the imagery.
● Skews: Text, images, or elements are tilted or slanted for added visual interest,
giving the layout a more modern, energetic feel.
2. Photo Cutouts
● Definition: The background is removed from an image, isolating the subject (like a
person or object) to integrate it more seamlessly into the design. This technique is
popular for creating a sense of depth and focusing attention solely on the subject.
● Use: It adds a “floating” effect, often used in magazines, advertising, and editorial
design for a clean, uncluttered look.
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● Reverses: Inverting the colors, typically showing white or light-colored text on a dark
background, which draws attention and improves readability, especially for
headlines or quotes.
5. Infographics
Together, these special effects add visual variety, improve information retention, and
create an engaging reader experience. They enable designers to creatively structure
content while drawing attention to key details and adding humor or personality to the
layout.
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In the realm of design and pagination, several software applications are widely used, each
serving different purposes in creating layouts, graphics, and overall design elements.
1. Adobe Photoshop
● Primary Use: Image editing and manipulation. Photoshop is ideal for photo
retouching, color correction, and creating detailed graphics.
● Features:
○ Extensive toolset for editing photos (layers, filters, effects).
○ Text tools for adding typography to images.
○ Integration with other Adobe products for a seamless workflow.
● Application: Often used to create graphics for newspapers, magazines, and online
content, especially for features, advertisements, and header images.
2. Adobe Illustrator
● Primary Use: Vector graphics design. Illustrator is perfect for creating logos,
illustrations, and scalable graphics.
● Features:
○ Pen tool for drawing precise shapes and paths.
○ Advanced typography tools for creating custom typefaces and text effects.
○ Capability to create infographics and illustrations that maintain quality at any
size.
● Application: Used for designing elements that require scalability without loss of
quality, such as logos, icons, and infographics in publications.
3. Adobe InDesign
● Primary Use: Page layout and design. InDesign is specifically designed for creating
multi-page documents such as magazines, newspapers, and brochures.
● Features:
○ Master pages for consistent layout across multiple pages.
○ Extensive typographic controls for managing text flow and styles.
○ Tools for integrating images, graphics, and text seamlessly.
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● Application: Ideal for designing entire publications, allowing for efficient layout
management, text formatting, and pagination, making it a favorite in the publishing
industry.
1. Minimalist Design
● Description: A shift towards clean, uncluttered layouts with ample white space to
enhance readability and focus on content. This approach often features fewer but
more impactful visuals.
2. Modular Grids
● Description: The use of modular grid layouts allows for flexibility and adaptability in
design, accommodating varying story lengths and sizes. This method makes it easier
to balance text and images across pages.
3. Bold Typography
4. Interactive Elements
5. Visual Storytelling
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● Description: Emphasizing infographics, data visualization, and photography to tell
stories visually, making complex information easier to understand and more
appealing to readers.
7. Personalized Content
8. Use of Color
● Description: There is a trend toward vibrant colors in layouts, moving away from
the traditional black-and-white or muted tones, particularly in online formats where
color can enhance engagement.
These design and pagination tools, along with current trends, reflect the changing needs of
audiences and the desire for newspapers to remain relevant and engaging in a digital age.
By embracing innovative techniques and software, newspapers can enhance their visual
appeal and readability while adapting to the evolving landscape of media consumption.
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