Tabloid Newspapers

S. Elizabeth Bird

Strictly speaking, the term tabloid refers to some newspapers' size, which is half that of a standard broadsheet. However, over the years it has taken on a broader definition that has less to do with size and more to do with the presentation and style of news. “Tabloid” is now commonly used to describe a particular kind of formulaic, colorful narrative, coupled with dramatic visuals, and usually perceived as distinct from standard, “objective” styles of journalism. Tabloid style is typically seen by critics as inferior, appealing to base instincts and public demand for sensationalism over information. While the term is used to describe both print and electronic news, this entry focuses on print tabloids. In the twenty-first century, in both the United States and Europe, there are three main types of tabloid. First are the weekly publications often known in the United States as “supermarket tabloids,” which focus on celebrity ...

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