by Kevin Burton
Today we finish up the Dictionary Scoop website’s list of jargon phrases used in journalism. As I did yesterday, I will add to the list.
“Above The Fold” is a term that refers to stories and pictures that appear in the top half of the front page. It’s the part of a newspaper that is visible through one of those formerly ubiquitous newspaper boxes you had to feed change into.
“Banner” refers to a headline and headline story that goes across the whole top of page one.
There was a time when I, having not received a banner in some time, dredged up some old notes I had from talking to a state senator. The topic was road conditions and I knew my editor was fixated on roads.
So I turn in the story, my editor slaps his roads logo on it, and boom, Kev gets a banner.
It happens, kids! And that was your peek inside a professional newsroom. Read your local newspaper! Stay informed!
OK, on with the J-jargon list:
6–Morgue
In journalism, a “morgue” isn’t as creepy as it sounds—it’s simply the newsroom’s archive or library. This is where old articles, photos, and clippings are stored, serving as a valuable resource for journalists looking to dig up past stories or research background information.
The morgue is filled with stories that might have been forgotten but can still offer insights or context. In today’s digital age, the morgue might be more of a digital database, but the name has stuck around.
(KB says: Spent a good bit of time in the morgue, researching when I worked at the Muscatine (Iowa) Journal. It was kinda creepy)
7–Hold For Release
“Hold For Release,” (or “HFR”) is a directive that means you have to sit tight with that story. As you can imagine, this is not a favorite among journalists!
The material is ready, but it can’t be published until a specific time, usually because the source has set a release date or there’s an embargo in place. It’s common in journalism, especially with press releases or sensitive information. Once the green light is given, the story can go live—but not a second before.
(KB says: Hold For Release was always fine with me. It actually allowed me to polish stories without deadline pressure.)
8–Pitch
This term is common in journalism, but it was actually borrowed from the marketing and sales fields. To “pitch” a story means to sell an idea to an editor, hoping it’ll get the green light to be written and published.
A pitch needs to be compelling, well thought out, and relevant to the publication’s audience. It’s a mini sales pitch, where you convince the editor that your story idea is worth their time and space. If the editor likes it, you’re on your way to writing the next big piece. So, when journalists pitch, they’re putting their best foot forward, hoping to turn an idea into a headline.
(KB says: At the Frontiersman, in Alaska, we had meetings so the reporters could let the editors know what they were working on and the editors could assign any stories that didn’t fall under anyone’s beat per se. That was more like coordinating the next issue really. Pitching is more for freelancers.)
9–Splash
A “splash” is the big, bold story that makes it to the front page—the story that will grab readers’ attention. It’s the news piece that the editors believe will make the biggest impact or stir the most interest.
The splash is usually accompanied by eye-catching headlines and prominent photos, ensuring it’s the first thing readers see. When your story is the splash, you know it’s going to be talked about.
(KB says: I’m proud to say nobody in any of the newsrooms I worked in, at least in my hearing, ever said anything about a splash. This speaks to sensation, and feels more like a television term for a television mindset.)
10–Dummy
A “dummy” in journalism isn’t an insult, it’s the layout plan for a newspaper or magazine page. It’s a diagram shows where stories, photos, headlines, and ads will be placed before the final version is printed.
It’s a crucial step in the production process, ensuring that everything fits neatly and looks good on the page. The dummy serves as a blueprint for the issue and helps designers and editors visualize the final product.
(KB says: I worked on dummies, I worked with some dummies. Those were the days my friends!)
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