New Report Examines Headlines

The Center for Media Engagement has begun conducting research on the content and effects of different types of headlines. As the first part of our research efforts, we have a new report that shares what we know about the functions and types of headlines, their content and use in news stories, and their effects on audiences as examined in previous research.

Click here to view the report.

Headlines are the marquees of news stories. These short statements located at the beginning of an article frame the information that is to follow. However, with the news industry’s increasing shift to digital journalism, many organizations are having to rethink what headlines should look like. In our report, we share academic research on different types of headlines, ranging from traditional to sensationalist, and others in between.

We have also put together a short summary on what academic and popular literature has taught us about what makes a good headline. Click here to view the summary.