Media Key Terms

Media Key Terms

Layout- The design of a page of a magazine, including the composition of written text, images, graphics etc.

Main Image- A key visual element of the front cover that usually dominates the page. It could be a model, celebrity, or other picture that is relevant to the magazines brand identity.

Masthead- The title of the magazine, usually positioned at the top of the front cover or contents page. It establishes a sense of the magazines brand identity.

Pull Quotes- Key phrases from an article that are featured in a larger font to attract attention.

Sidebar- A brief article related to the main story on the page. May be placed in a box or written in a different font to separate it from the main article.

Standfirst- Short piece of written text between the headline and main article, to give more information about the article.

Strapline- Short phrases encapsulating the essence of the magazine usually positioned below the masthead.  

Typography- The visual appearance of written text, including the font style, size and spacing.

Anchorage- Where written text is used to pin down the meaning of an image.

Brand Identity- This communicates a clear message about the magazine to the target audience. It includes the image of the magazine (masthead, style, design etc.) Also including its values and ethos.  

Caption- Words that accompany an image and explain its meaning.

Copy- The written text in an article or feature.

Cover Lines- Used on the front cover to give readers an insight into the content and main articles in the magazine.

Feature- A main article or story, often an extended article (two pages or more).

Headline- Written text that indicates the content of an article, usually in a large font, and positioned at the top of the page.

House Style- Consistent use of stylistic features (e.g. fonts, layout, colour palette) throughout the magazine.