Graphics

Graphics, also referred to as infographics, are visual elements used to explain information (as in a news story) in a way that text, photos, or video alone would not be able to do. Graphics present information in a more concise, succinct way. In 2001, Edward Tufte, an authority on graphics history, estimated that between 900 billion and 2 trillion graphics were printed worldwide annually. With the launch of USA Today in 1981 and the development of the Internet after 1995, graphics have become a vital part of news presentation.

Graphics should be easy to understand. The best graphics do not call attention to themselves, but rather become an integral part of the story they support. Those looking at a graphic should not worry about how it was put together, but focus on the information it provides. While some interpret graphics in print media to include photographs, most media organizations make a clear distinction between the two, often having separate departments for each. Collaboration between the two is common and stories often contain both graphics and photos.

Graphics may accompany a story, or they may stand alone. Reporters and/or editors usually play a key role in developing graphics, since they provide the needed information. They also decide when a story needs a graphic. Information for the graphic is rarely repeated in a story to save space. Most media companies hire specialists not involved in the layout or editing of a story to create graphics on a regular basis. Since graphics are supposed to replace text, most present information in a visually creative way, rather than relying on extensive use of text.

Knowing the purpose of any graphic is central, as is the data on which it is based. While illustrations can be humorous, they still need to fulfill a specific informational goal.

Although most graphics are created in-house, news agencies and other syndication sources also provide news graphics.

Computer technology has provided a huge boost to the use of graphics in journalism, by making their creation easier, quicker, and less expensive. Adobe's Illustrator and Photoshop programs are examples of commercial programs that are widely used.