Types of headlines One line, two line, three line See Exponent front page

From Poynter.org The single headline is becoming a thing of the past. Instead, multi-deck headlines result in more reader friendly newspapers. Of course, not all headlines need to be multi-decks. Ideally, multi-deck headlines appear at the top of the page, and normally the lead story on inside pages should have them. For stories below the fold and for briefs, the reader is better served with single headlines.

Decks The deck is one or more lines of text (usually not more than 3 depending on column width) found between the headline and the body of the article. Can be one column, two column, or full column width

From Poynter.org • Multi-deck headlines must flesh out the story they accompany, while adding new information with each deck. The first line gets into the story; subsequent decks detail further aspects of the story. In a perfect world, multi-deck headlines are written in such a way that the scanner, who does not wish to read the text of the story, still can feel like he knows the "essence" of its content.

They must do this without repeating key information verbatim from lead See Spierer’s headline

• Multi-deck headlines must offer typographic contrast: if the main headline is bold, then the decks should be lighter in weight; a Roman main headline may be accompanied by decks set in Italics. Lately, many newspapers have opted to colorize decks.

And make them work with cutline

• Multi-deck headlines must offer size contrast: if the main headline is set in 36 points, the first deck might be in 18 points, and the second in 14. Decks range from 12 to 24 points.

Kicker Smaller head above main headline. Can be used to add additional information, tease. See: Gore Usually italicized, underlined or centered

Reverse kicker Also called a hammer head. Type line is big and second (main) line is smaller type. Usually surrounded by white space See: Amtrak and Fudge

Subheads Used to break up long stories See: Wreck

Jump head Most newspaper now write complete headlines for the jump. They often emphasize the information in the jump rather than repeat headline from the front page. Many, however, including the J&C, Indy Star, continue to use a key word only jump head on the jump page.