BASIC PARTS OF THE CAMPUS PAPER PART 1

Summary

In this podcast episode, Abigail Samanioko introduces the basic parts of a campus newspaper, focusing on 11 key elements that student journalists should know. She covers terms such as nameplate, headline, banner, news story, and more, explaining their roles in the newspaper's structure. The episode aims to provide a foundational understanding of newspaper jargon for students aspiring to work as journalists or student paper advisors. It also includes practical examples from various universities to illustrate each component. This is the first part of a two-part series on the topic.

Takeaways

• 😀 The nameplate is the text or logo that bears the name of the campus newspaper, serving as the newspaper's identity.
• 😀 A headline is the title of a news story that summarizes the content and is displayed in larger fonts.
• 😀 A banner is the headline with the largest font on the page, typically showcasing the most significant story.
• 😀 A news story consists of the main article content, which includes the lead paragraph and elaborative text.
• 😀 The lead is the first paragraph of a news story and contains the W's: Who, What, Where, When, and Why.
• 😀 The deck is a sub-headline placed below the main headline, providing a more specific context or summary.
• 😀 The kicker is a smaller headline placed above the main headline, adding a tagline or catchphrase.
• 😀 The byline is the name of the journalist or reporter, offering recognition and prestige to their work.
• 😀 The ears or Tenga are small boxes on the right or left side of the nameplate, containing ads or short stories.
• 😀 Teasers promote stories inside the newspaper but are not positioned on the right or left side of the nameplate, often appearing elsewhere on the page.

Q & A

What is the 'name plate' in the context of a campus newspaper?

The 'name plate' refers to the text or logo bearing the name of the campus paper. It is the official identifier of the publication and is usually featured prominently on the front page.

How is a 'headline' defined in campus journalism?

A 'headline' is the title of an article or news story, designed to summarize the main point of the story. It is typically displayed in a larger font than the body of the article.

What does a 'banner' refer to in a campus paper?

A 'banner' is the headline with the largest font, usually showcasing the most important or major story of the issue. It is often found on the front page.

What is a 'news story' in the context of a campus newspaper?

A 'news story' is the article itself, detailing the event or issue. It includes the lead and the elaboration that follows, providing a complete narrative of the story.

What information is typically included in the 'lead' of a news story?

The 'lead' is the first paragraph of a news story, which provides the essential details of the event, answering the 'who, what, where, when, and why' of the story.

What is the purpose of a 'deck' in a campus newspaper?

A 'deck' is a subordinate headline that appears immediately below the main headline. It serves as a secondary description or summary of the article's content.

What is a 'kicker' and how does it differ from other headlines?

A 'kicker' is a smaller headline placed above the main headline. Its purpose is to provide additional context or draw attention to a specific aspect of the story, and it is usually smaller in font than the headline.

What is a 'byline' in journalism, and why is it significant?

A 'byline' is the name of the journalist or reporter who authored the article. It is important as it attributes the work to the journalist and is often a source of pride for them.

What are 'ears' in the layout of a campus paper?

'Ears' are small boxes placed on either side of the name plate, usually containing advertisements or brief stories. They help to visually balance the page.

What is the role of 'teasers' in a campus newspaper?

Teasers are small boxes that promote other stories within the newspaper. They act as previews for articles that can be found inside, usually located away from the name plate.

What does a 'jump line' indicate in a news story?

A 'jump line' is a short line of text that directs readers to other pages where the continuation of a story can be found. It helps readers follow a story if it is too long to fit on a single page.