Counting HeadlinesThe reasons and methods for counting headlinesMaterial property of the AR Department of Education. It may be used for non-profit, educational use only after contacting the DLC at http://dlc.k12.ar.us ER Some material used with permission from National Textbook Company (Getting Started in Journalism).

Counting HeadlinesCounting HeadlinesUses a predetermined formula to help write headlines the correct size.With the computer age, this skill is almost obsolete in the workplace.

AdvantagesReinforces the skill of choosing small, precise words in a headline. Headlines must be written to fit the space.Emphasizes that headline size is important. The option of changing the size of the headline is not a possibility because it will change the layout.

AdvantagesPlus, you never know when the computers go down and you still have to publish the paper using the old-fashioned methods.

Headline Counting ChartGives units for each letter, number, punctuation and symbol for the American alphabet.Letters are not all the same sizes, even at the same point size.Example: w and IBoth are Arial in the 36 pt. size, but the w is obviously fatter than the I.

Headline Chart

Unit Values11 2Lettersj, i, l, t, fMost lower-case lettersm,wMost capital lettersM, WNumerals1Most numeralsPunctuationMost punctuation marksQuestion mark, double quotes, parenthesisdashSpacesSpaces between words

Counting PracticeCount this headline:

Izzy Manfield wins MVP award

Counting PracticeIzzy Manfield wins MVP award

28 units - All 1 unit, except l (1), M (2), f (), i (), l (), V (1 ), P (1 ), w (1 )

Make sure to count spaces (between words) as unit.

Counting PracticeCount this headline (each line is its own count)

University Cites

15 AHS Seniors

Counting PracticeEach line is 14 units.With multiple line headlines, each line must fit into the required count.Counts may fall short by 1 unit, but no shorter. Counts may never go longer than the required count.

HomeworkThe following slides contain headlines.Count out each line and write the headline count on the blank line.Do not worry that these headlines are incorrectly written. You will fix them later.

Counting Headlines SampleChoir performed__________Christmas Concert__________

Students with a date __________invited to the fall prom __________

Counting Headlines SampleCast, crew elated after winning state one-act play contest(this is a one-line headline)

__________

Counting Headlines SampleSmiths margin of victory __________was 120 votes __________

Sr. has problem __________with work sked __________

Counting Headlines SampleFantastic victory __________over the Bulldogs! __________