Tabloid Newspapers

Tabloid newspapers, which began to flourish all over the world in the 1800s, notably in Britain and the United States, are defined by their size and content. Exact sizes of the publications may vary, but they are smaller than broadsheet newspapers and generally about 11 by 17 inches. More important than size, however, is the content of tabloids: large, arresting (often sans serif) headlines; splashy graphics, including woodcuts in earlier years and later photos; sensationalistic, terse, titillating writing; a focus on personalities, sports, entertainment, disasters, crimes (particularly crimes of passion); sexual and other scandals; and other provocative content. Many tabloids also carry a populist inclination, featuring crusades against corruption, incompetence, and elitist malfeasance. This entry discusses the origins of tabloid newspapers, concerns about their influence ...