Cutlines

Figure 9-13.—Sample headline schedule. The chart gives the minimum-maximum unit count for each line based on the number of columns the line stretches across. Each headline listed on the chart is often given a key, or code, that tells the printer the name of the type style and the number of columns the headline covers. As shown in figure 9-4, a headline with a key “A5’ would indicate a headline set in a 60-point type style called Tempo Bold Reg., which has a minimum-maximum unit count of 23-26 stretched across five columns (the number indicated in the ”AS" key). CUTLINES LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Detail the methods used in gathering material for cutlines and identify cutline components, typography, layout and datelines. Photographs have a unique storytelling ability. They are most effective when accompanied by some explanatory text. A missile launching may make an exciting photograph, but it fails as a news vehicle unless the reader understands the when, where and why of the photograph, as well as the more obvious what and how. The function of providing information the photo- graph does not furnish is performed by the photograph’s cutline, also known as a photo caption. A cutline supplements the photograph by explaining action, naming people and giving background information. The cutline writer is normally a middleman, who takes a photograph (which is inflexible) and adds the cutline (which is flexible) and comes out with a story. The cutline writer determines what additional information must be given to communicate the story the photograph is meant to tell. Cutline writing is a specialized form of news- writing. It answers the same basic questions as the news story. Yet, it does this in a single, concise paragraph. The cutline writer must be alert to answer any questions the photograph may arouse in the reader’s mind. 9-11