We often associate tabloid newspapers with sensationalism, low-brow culture and big images. Although these associations are for the most part correct, technically the term 'tabloid' refers to the actual size of the newspaper, generally narrower than a broadsheet and stapled together. Having said this, many broadsheets, or classier newspapers, have chosen for the tabloid format, because it is easier for reading on public transportation. There is a debate today that questions whether you can have great quality on a small format.  

This lesson examines the defining characteristics of tabloid newspapers. You may want to write a sensational story on a scene from a novel that you have read as a written task 1. You may want to write a critical response to a tabloid article as a written task 2. For these reasons it is useful to understand the conventions of this text type.

Defining characteristics 

Tabloid

Copy - The actual article, or prose narrative, is known as the 'copy'. The writing is usually sensational, short and marketable.	The copy in the lower right-hand corner is about the foot-fetish of NY Jets' coach Rex Ryan. The newsworthiness of this article is questionable.
Ears - The 'ears' are the boxes in the upper corners of the newspaper's front page.	The American flag occupies the upper left-hand corner, positioning the newspaper as patriotic and perhaps nationalistic. This is characteristic of right-wing newspapers. The upper right-hand corner, a teaser, points to page 6, where the reader can find more about Rex Ryan's foot fettish.
Image - Tabloids usually have one or more large pictures on the front page. They prefer to use large pictures of attractive (and usually female) celebrities. Images are always 'anchored' using a 'caption', which provides extra information about the picture.	The defeated look on the football coach's face is the focus of the front page. He's unshaven and has puppy-dog eyes. His wife's feet are also placed prominently at the fore front of the paper.
Headline - The headline must grab attention. They often include a pun (a play on words) sensationalism or alliteration.	The headline includes a pun, the word 'de-feet' (homophone of 'defeat'). The choice of the word 'agony' is rather extremeand sensational as well.
Masthead - This is always at the top of the front page and presents the name and any logo associated with the newspaper. Tabloid newspapers are often called 'red tops' because of the colouring. Also note that the date, price website are given in the masthead.	The masthead uses a very bold sans serif font, with a drop shadow, like that of a super-hero comic book. The use of bright purple also adds to its sensational quality.
Subheading - To make the headline clearer a secondary headline or subheading is used. This usually offers context and intrigues the reader.	This subheading alludes to Private Ryan, the WWII movie, about a lost soldier that has to be found. This suggests that the football coach is lost. The word 'humiliate' is also used, which is rather extreme and sensational.

Sample tabloid

Activity

1. On a large table spread out several current newspapers, including a tabloid. Look to see how other newspapers use these 'Defining Characteristics' differently or similarly. 
    
2. In 2000 The Weekly World News published this article titled: 'Hackers Can Turn your Home Computer into a Bomb'. Compare and contrast this article with the front page of the New York Post from the example provided above. How are they different or similar?
    
3. Find a sensational story from a novel or literary work that you have read for Parts 3 or 4. Try writing a tabloid about this story, including all of the 'Defining characteristics' you see here, as a written task 1. Be careful that you do not invent too many parts of the story that were not there originally, as the written task must demonstrate your understanding of the work.