What Are the Different Kinds of Newspapers?

The two main types of newspapers are broadsheet and tabloid. Many newspapers have expanded to include an online format as well that can be updated more frequently.

A broadsheet or quality paper, measured at 11 or 12 inches wide and 20 inches long, is the most common format for newspapers. Broadsheet papers typically utilize six columns and are employed by serious newspapers, such as The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. Such newspapers are also referred to as “heavy” due to the serious nature of the content published. A smaller version of a broadsheet is called a compact.

A tabloid newspaper measures 11 inches wide and 17 inches long. As the name suggests, it is generally filled with celebrity-focused articles and photos and seldom features the serious news articles that are found in broadsheets.

Digital newspapers are an increasingly growing field. Many major newspapers have branched out to include an online version to accompany the print copy, often adding social media as well. Media outlets benefit from the digital capabilities of getting information out quickly, showing multimedia projects, such as videos and infographics, and increasing readership.

Beyond the standard newspapers creating an online presence, many online newspapers exist solely on the Internet, especially those targeting younger demographics or niche audiences.