This document analyzes the front page layouts of 5 local newspapers: the North Somerset Times, The Bath Chronicle, Bexley Mercury, Gloucestershire Gazette, and Bristol Post. It identifies common elements across the newspapers like mastheads, headlines, bylines, advertisements, dates/prices, and skylines. It also notes some differences, like the Bristol Post having a more modern design and more advertisements reflecting its larger size and financial support compared to the others. The document examines design elements and how they are used to attract readers and promote the newspapers.

1. North Somerset Times
Masthead – name of newspaper being located at
the top in order for your eye to be drawn straight to
it. Could help to see which newspaper you’re buying
when mixed with others
Dateline
Headline – adjective ‘ghastly’ is
shocking to audience and so
attracts attention
Standfirst/OR Pullquote - this
could be described as being a
standfirst due to it introducing
the story. However, it could be a
standout quote taken directly
from the main story.
Adverts
– the cost of these adverts are likely to be relatively
high due to being located on the front page
Body Text - the article itself.
Skyline -
This gives an
idea of what
is inside and
entices the
reader to read
on.
Byline – this gives a little bit of
information about the writer and
title. Usually, contact details
(email address) is included so that
they can be contacted with your
own stories/comment on what
their story.

2. The Bath Chronicle
Adverts –
very effective
placement for
the advertiser
as will
definitely be
one of the first
to be seen
Caption –
gives
information
about
whom is
featured in
the picture,
little
description.
Masthead
Sidebar – gives a good
proportion of the article
but will usually have
rest of the article inside
Price, date, strapline featured in a much smaller font
but at the top of the newspaper itself.
Skyline – gives the
reader an insight as
to what to expect
from the newspaper.
Entices the
reader/consumer.
Headline – hopefully one of
the first things the consumer is
drawn to. This, in combination
with the sad picture acts
emotively. The sad faces the
more mature women are
pulling (MES) makes the
consumer feel something
towards them and so reading
on allows this to be achieved.
Latter part of newspaper name always featured biggest. This is because it
will be displayed with other local newspapers so ‘bath’ will not be
necessary but there will only be one Gazette in that area
Byline

3. Bexley Mercury Masthead – makes it easily
recognisable when placed
with others and enables
consumers to clearly see what
newspaper you’re to read.
Headline &
subsequent
main article -
Standfirst
– to give
the reader
that stand-out
thought/id
ea about
this story
and
encourage
them to
read the
rest of the
article.
Adverts – There
are 5 present on the
front cover, much
more than any of
the other
newspapers,
despite following
the same principal
as others and being
delivered through
the door for free.
Headline
Skyline – 3 of these skyline boxes are used
and give in impression of the types of
stories inside the newspaper
Byline –
writers’
info
Same sized adverts
on the front page,
possible
format/house style
with these that
need to be adhered
to?

4. Gloucestershire Gazette
Masthead
Date, time,
strapline
Again, interesting to
note there are fewer
adverts on the front
cover of this
newspaper, despite it
being the priciest out
of the five at 80p per
copy.
This could be due to
the type of reader
aimed at or the
particular location this
newspaper is for.
Byline, the writers name and contact
details. Useful for contact about new
stories and comments on previous.
This gives the impression they seek for
others to inform them of stories
foremost.
Skylines – similar to the
Bexley Mercury despite
being from different regions.
Doesn’t follow a trend
amongst its competitors in a
certain area.
Large image with small accompanying
text body, prompting readers to look
inside the newspaper

5. Bristol Post
This front cover
appears to be very
busy with lots of
different adverts,
skylines, pictures and
articles around the
page. The design is
much more modern
than the others but
does stem from the
fact that this
newspaper faced a
recent rebrand from
its former ‘Evening
Post’ days.
It has a greater air of
professionalism,
perhaps due to
greater financial
support. They have 3
during each day.
Edition starts – differs depending on
morning, lunchtime or evening
edition.
Skyline, reference to
Bristol City and promotion
to prompt purchase of
newspaper
Skyline
Date, time, price
Byline
Mayor or Bristol, George Ferguson – a face locals will be
familiar with. Could be compared to national newspapers
putting a celebrity on the front page.
Anothe
r
Skyline
Strapline? Uses this title to advantage. Technological convergence.
Advertisment of their website too. subtle
Masthead