HEADLINES

Md Raisul Islam
How to Write a Headline
Headlines are usually written in bold and in a much larger size
than the article text.
Front page headlines are often in upper case so that they can be
easily read by the passing, potential customer.
It is also key for headlines to be short and to the point!
Cross Line/Bar Line Headline
It consist of single line centered over the story. This headline may be used
in one column or more column story.
Example>
Three missing class XII girls found in Khulna
Double Cross Headline

This headline is written in 2-lines depending upon its length.

Example: Vishwaroopam ban lifted by court, but Kamal Haasan is not past finish line

Flush-Left Headline

Most common.

Eye movements from left to right

Example: 1) New Delhi sets record with 1500 murders. 2) Ceasefire in London, Deployment of UN
Peacekeeping force soon. 3) Muslim world unites against US presence in Iraq.
Flush-Right Headline
In this, all lines are to the right-side and run ragged to the left.
Example: 1) New Delhi sets record with 1500 murders. 2) Ceasefire in
London, Deployment of UN Peacekeeping force soon. 3) Muslim world
unites against US presence in Iraq.
Inverted Pyramid Headline
This consists of two or three lines. Each line shorter than the previous one and
centered. Usually used in single-column news story.
Example: 1) Tibetans showcase documents
to back independence
claim.
Drop/Stepped Lines Headline
This pattern is of 2-3 lines, each approximately of same length. in case of 2-lines, first line is set to
the left of the column and second line is set to the right.
Example: IIM Council will not have powers to
override institutes, unlike IIT Council
In case of 3-lines, top line is flush left, second line is
indented one space and third line is indented two space and flush right.
Example: Bush condemns
explosion into
Mumbai locals.
Inverted Stepped Headlines
This is opposite to stepped headlines. In this, first line is spread over the whole column, second line is shorter
than the first and third line is shorter than the second. Both second and third lines are flush left.
Example: IIM Council will not have powers
to override institutes,
unlike IIT Council
Hanging Indentation Headline
 This patterns carries 2, 3 or 4 lines, first line is longer than other lines and flush left.
 Other two lines are equal & indented to an identical number of spaces at the left.
Example: IIM Council will not have powers
to override institutes,
unlike IIT Council
Roller/Waist Headline
In this pattern, first and third lines are of equal length and second line is shorter and
centered.
Example: 1) Dhaka Summit
crucial for
NAM countries.
Kicker/over line/shoulder Headline
Kicker is a subordinate line placed on the top of the main headline. It is mainly of 1/3 width than
headline. Mainly used in multi-column headline but can be used for single column also. Size of the
Main lines are larger than the line placed at the top.
Example:
Geetika Sharma case

HC orders probe into claim of parents of

accused regarding Gopal Goyal Kanda
Reverse Kicker/ Hammer Headline
Reverse of the Kicker Headline is Hammer Headline. Written in two column because of its width.

Geetika Sharma case

HC orders probe into claim of parents of accused
regarding Gopal Goyal Kanda
Banner Headline
Extended to cover all the columns of the page. Used for important
occasions, it is the top headline under masthead.
Example: Indira Gandhi shot dead
Skyline Headline
This pattern of headline used in extra important occasions. In this
pattern, the masthead is pushed down and headline is given over the
masthead o the top of the page.
Very rarely used.
Example: Tsunami hits southern part of the country, thousand of
people died
MD RAISUL ISLAM
Assistant Professor
Department of Mass Communication and Journalism
Jagannath University