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If you ask
readers what they want Page One to be, most would answer “newsy.” They want data.
Highlights. Summaries. Stories.
Newspapers often
forget this. They sink into a lazy rut, running big photos of
cute kids and sunsets on Page One. Usually, this is because
editors get preoccupied with meetings and money stories for
which there are no interesting photos — so at the last
minute they panic and yell, “Quick! Get me a photo!
Somebody run to the park and shoot me a squirrel!” Which results in pages
like this:
To download a
larger version of this page -- which you should then print out
and post prominently in your newsroom -- click here.
When it comes to
warm ’n’ fuzzy front-page photo clichés, the
worst of the repeat offenders are these:
These images
aren’t evil. And yes, some readers do glance at them and
say, “Awwww . . . cute!” Keep in mind, however,
that you’re putting out newspapers, not greeting cards.
You’re supposed to be educating readers. Teaching.
Telling new and meaningful stories -- not recycling tired
cliches.
Many newspapers
adhere to the adage that you should never run wild art as lead art. In other words, if you
consistently run soft, stand-alone photos as lead art,
it’s a sign you’re not doing enough
photojournalism, enough packaging or enough planning.
