Abstract

This paper presents the results of two correlative empiric studies in which the author analyzes the role that advertising had in creating new forms of press in the late 20th century -free printed press and online press- and how these related to elements of journalistic design. The first study confirmed the central role that advertising has had in the creation of the free printed press and online press. The second study showed that both types of press have used journalistic elements in a similar way, by integrating the advertising component in page design. This research shows up the change it is happening in the press in relation to unpaid contents, with a clear bet to advertising content as opposed to news and its implications to the advertising sector.

Abstract

In 2016 the newspapers of Promecal communication group in Castilla y León and Castilla la Mancha significantly reduced content available on the internet as a strategy to strengthen print press sales. This research analyzes Promecal communication group’s newspapers according to their audience in web and print formats. Furthermore, the supply content of Diario de Burgos, which is the most important newspaper of Promecal, is studied. Also, we discuss how the strategy of reducing web content has caused a loss of users of web versions of the newspapers. Contrary to Promecal’s plans, this reduction hasn’t increased sales in printed newspapers. The final result caused an increase in other digital medias of the competition.

Abstract

An experimental method to examine the relationships between graphic design and comprehension of information published in magazines and/or print journals is presented. The method is used to observe if the graphic design in a journalistic report makes it possible to have a better understanding of the meaning of the information. The starting hypothesis is that the design, beyond guaranteeing the readability of the text, can support understanding the story more quickly and effectively, in addition to making it more attractive. This research uses a new multidisciplinary approach, and no known previous research exists in which journalistic design and reading comprehension are methodologically related. The objective of this model is to establish the fundamental role of journalistic design in quality journalism, which runs contrary to the current popularity of basic standardization.

Abstract

Thirteen redesigns of the top five Spanish daily newspapers (general information) during the 21st century (ABC, El país, El mundo del siglo XXI, La vanguardia, and 20 minutos) are analyzed. We try to establish the possible relationship between the crisis of print journalism and changes in design. Trends found are classified into 17 categories of changes. The results are surprising: One redesign occurs every 15 months; some newspapers only wait two years to introduce modifications; elements as sensitive as the header are affected in 62% of the cases; and redesigns of other newspapers do not seem to influence each other. Unlike what one might expect, design is not always used as a sales promotion strategy. Starting in 2008, redesigns did not boost sales. The highest frequency of changes has occurred since 2008, the year the global economic crisis began. The research is of a descriptive type (non-experimental, case study, longitudinal, and comparative design), although it suggests possible relationships among variables that should be checked with combined techniques.