Course: MAC 327 Newspaper Management and Production (3 credits. Compulsory)
Course Duration: Three Hours per week for 15 weeks (45hours) as taught in the 2011/2012
session.
Lecturer: ADISA R. M.
M.Sc Mass Communication (Lagos)
B.Sc Mass Communication (Kano)
PGDE (NTI Kaduna)
Advanced Digital Appreciation Program-Tertiary (ADAPT) Training
Member: NIPR, ACCE
Department of Mass Communication
Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences
University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
E-mail:
adisarasaqm@yahoo.com,
adisa.rm@unilorin.edu.ng
Office Location: First Floor, Room 3, Educational Technology Building,
University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.
Consultation Hours: 10.00 am -12 noon (Tuesdays and Thursdays)
Course Content
Techniques of newspaper design. Skills in newspaper production. Assessing newspaper layouts
and contents.
Course description
The course is designed to impart to the students the knowledge of the principles and techniques
as well as the practical skills required to work within the newspaper and magazine industries.
Course Objectives
On completion of this course students should:
1. Know the types and organizational structure of a typical newspaper and magazine
setup
2. Understand the make-up and design of newspaper and magazine
3. Know the stages involved in the production of newspaper and magazine
4. Know the various printing technologies
5. Understand the impact of new technology in the production of newspaper and
magazine
6. Understand how to circulate and market newspaper and magazine.
Course Requirements
Participants in the course are required to:
1. A minimum of 75% attendance qualifies students for writing the end of semester
examination in this course;
2. All written assignments and feature stories must be word processed;
3. Deadline must be strictly observed. Late assignments will attract penalties;
4. Each student is expected to have a yahoo e-mail account, join and participate in the
course’s online discussion group.
Methods of Grading
Performance in the course will be graded using the guidelines in the table below.
Criterion
Percentage Score of Total Marks
Test
10
Assignment/Project
15
Participation in online discussion group
5
Final Examination
70
Total
100
Course Delivery Strategies
The main method of course delivery is face-to-face lectures, discussions, and small group
exercises and practical some of which shall be presented in the class.
Lecture Contents
Week 1: Introduction to Print Media
Objectives
The objectives of this week lecture are to explain the meaning and characteristics of newspaper
and magazine. To do this, various definitions, origin and development of print media will be
discussed.
Description
First Hour
Meaning of magazine and newspaper.
Second Hour
Origin and development of Newspaper
Third hours
History and scope
Evolution of newspaper in Nigeria
Opportunities and constraints of Nigeria print media.
Study Questions
1. Trace the history of newspaper in Nigeria
2. Outline the development of newspaper in Nigeria
3. What are the factors that boosted magazine production in Nigeria?
4. List Nigerian newspapers in circulation
5. List all magazines publish and in circulation in Nigeria
Reading List
1. Okoye4 I. (2004) Magazinology. Lagos: Mebyi&Associates,pp2-10.ISBN 978-35652-8-1.
2. Conboy4 M. (2005) “The Print Industry – Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow: An
Overview” in: Keeble R. (Ed.) Print Journalism A critical introduction. USA: Routledge,
pp 4-8. ISBN 0-203-00676-3
3. www.mediaawareness.ca/newspapers_magazines 3
Week 2: Types and Organizational Structure of Newspaper
Objective
Students will be acquainted with the knowledge of the types and organizational structure of a
typical newspaper and magazine industries. Also, functions and responsibilities of the various
principal officers in the print media will be pointed out.
Description
First Hour
Identification and categorization of the major divisions in a newspaper and magazine
organization
Second Hour
Analyses of the major divisions
Third Hour
Roles and functions of principal officers of newspaper and magazine
Study Questions
1. List the organizational structure of a newspaper house.
2. Explain the organizational structure of a newspaper house.
3. Draw the organizational chart of standard newspaper.
4. Identify the roles and functions of publisher, sub-editor, production editor and
managing editor.
5. Who is a production editor?
Reading List
1. Okoye4 I. (2000). Newspaper Editing and Production in the Computer Age. Lagos:
Mbeyi and Associate, pp
2. Cole4 P. (2005). “The structure of the print industry”, in: Keeble R. (2005) Print
Journalism A critical introduction. USA: Routledge, pp. 30-38. ISBN 0-203-00676-3.
3. Niblock4 S. (2005). Inside Journalism. London: Blueprint, pp. 13-19. ISBN 0-20340173-5.
Week 3: Classification of Magazine
Objective
The main objective of this week lecture is to classify magazine into various kinds and subject
matter. Generally all magazines can be categorized into three main types: the in–house,
professional and consumer magazines.
Description
First Hour
Identification of the major divisions in a newspaper and magazine organization
Meaning and features of in- house magazine
Second Hour
Meaning and features of professional or technical magazine
Meaning and features of consumer magazine
Third Hour
Classification of consumer magazines according to subject matter
General interest magazine
Soft sell magazine
Sports magazine
News magazine
Study Questions
1. What are the major classifications of magazine?
2. List 10 examples, each, of general interest, soft sell, sports and news magazines.
3. Describe the features of professional magazine.
4. Explain, with examples, the general interest magazine.
5. List 20 examples of news magazines in Nigeria.
Reading List
1. Adisa4 R. M. (2005). Fundamentals of Newspaper/Magazine Editing and Production.
Osogbo: positive Impact Publications, pp 25-32.ISBN 978-32581-4-3.
2. Niblock4 S. (2005). Inside Journalism. London: Blueprint, pp 56-61. ISBN 0-203-401735.
Weeks 4-5: Design and Make-up of Newspaper and Magazine
Objective
Students will understand and able to explain the whole process of newspaper and magazine
design and make-up.
Description
First Hour
Meaning and features of in- house magazine
Meaning of design and layout
Second Hour (Week 4)
Elements of a page i.e. text, headlines, photo and advert
Special devices in page make up e.g. indenting, drop letters, boxes etc.
Third Hour (Week 4)
Pages and pagination of newspaper and magazine.
First Hour (Week 5)
Space budgeting in newspaper and magazine.
Second Hour
Design and layout practices in newspaper and magazine production e.g. balance rhythm, unity,
contrast, harmony etc.
Third Hour (Week 5)
Kinds of make-up e.g. vertical, horizontal, symmetrical, asymmetrical make-up.
Study Questions
1. Describe balance, unity, rhythm, and contrast in relation to design and layout of
newspaper and magazine.
2. What are the major elements of newspaper page?
3. Explain the process of newspaper and magazine design and layout.
4. How is space budgeting in newspaper carried out?
Reading List
1. Adisa4 R. M. (2005). Fundamentals of Newspaper/Magazine Editing and Production.
Osogbo: positive Impact Publications, pp 103- 110. ISBN 978-32581-4-3.
2. Frost4 C. (2005). “Design for print media” in Richard K. (Ed.) Print Journalism A
critical introduction. London: Routledge, pp 201- 204. ISBN 0-203-00676-3.
3. Tattersall4 M. (2008). “Page layout and design” in Franklin B. (Ed.) Pulling Newspapers
Apart, Analysing Print Journalism, London: Routledge, pp 196-203. ISBN 0-203-63070X
Week 6: Elements of print layout
Objective
The main objective of this week is to distinguish between different visual characters that form
the element of newspaper and magazine layout.
Description
First Hour
Essential elements such as typography, pictures, colour, white space, text boxes, headlines.
Second Hour
Application of the elements on a computer
Third Hours
Typefaces, different point sizes
Study Questions
1. What is layout?
2. List and explain the essential elements of newspaper and magazine layout.
3. What is the significance of special effects on newspaper pages?
4. Select two newspapers and mark out boxes, highlight and shadow.
5. On your own, access a desk top publishing package on a computer and select the range of
fonts available. Enter the words ‘Mass Communication Department’ on screen and
experiment by using:
I. _ different typefaces
II. _ different point sizes
III. _ upper and lower case
IV. _ regular and bold
V. _ serif and sans serif
VI. _ italics
VII. _ special effects such as shadow, underline, strike through and drop
capitals.
Reading List
1. Rudin 4R. and Ibbotson T. (2002). An Introduction to Journalism: Essential techniques
and background knowledge. Oxford: Focal Press, pp 78-93. ISBN 0 240 51634 6.
Weeks 7-8: Newspaper and Magazine Production Stages
Objective
The main objectives of this week are to enable students understand both the theory and practical
stages involved in the production of a newspaper and magazine.
Description
First Hour (Week 7)
Construction of grids.
Second Hour
Dummy page outline
Third Hour (Week 7 in the Editing Lab)
Opening a new file on the computer and set the required columns.
Masthead and logo placing into the designated area.
First Hour
Body text from a file or disc placing in the relevant columns.
Second Hour (Week 8 in the Editing Lab)
Body text from a file or disc placing in the relevant columns.
Printing of pages either on a laser or ink-jet printer for proofreading.
Third Hour (Week 8)
Correction of changes made on the document, saving and printing of final work.
Study Questions
1. Describe dummy sheet.
2. Draw a rough sketch of newspaper pages on a dummy sheet to include positions of
advertisements, graphics, pictures, headlines, and body text.
3. Draw up a ‘dummy’ of the front page of a campus newsletter using guidelines
discussed this week.
4. Select a tabloid and a broadsheet newspaper published on the same day and compare
and contrast the layout of the front pages in terms of headlines, stories, pictures,
typography, use of white space, use of colour, etc. Write an analysis on the
differences in layout and the possible impact on readers.
5. List and explain proofreading symbols.
Reading List
1. Adisa4 R. M. (2005). Fundamentals of Newspaper/Magazine Editing and Production.
Osogbo: positive Impact Publications, pp 25-32.ISBN 978-32581-4-3.
2. Rudin4 R. and Ibbotson T. (2002). An Introduction to Journalism. Oxford: Focal Press,
pp 86-89 ISBN 0 240 51634 6.
3. Smith4 B. (2003). proofreading, revising, & editing skills success in 20 minutes a day.
New York: LearningExpress, pp 189-190. ISBN 1-57685-466-3.
Week 9: Design and Make-up of Different Pages of Newspaper
Objective
This week objectives are to explain the dynamics and grading of different pages of newspaper.
Description
First Hour
Front page design techniques.
Characteristics of page one
Second Hour
Back page design techniques.
Characteristics of back page.
Third Hour
Inside pages techniques.
Characteristics of the inside pages.
Characteristics of the opinion-editorial pages.
Study Questions
1. Describe newspaper page one format.
2. What are the items contained on the front and back pages folios?
3. What types of specialized reporting are mostly found in Nigerian newspapers?
4. Why is Op-ed regarded as important content of newspaper?
5. Explain the characteristics of back page of a National newspaper.
Reading List
1.
Adisa4 R. M. (2005) Fundamentals of Newspaper/Magazine Editing and
Production. Osogbo: positive Impact Publications, pp 111-119.ISBN 978-32581-4-3.
Weeks 10-11: Printing Technologies
Objective
This week objectives are to acquaint the students with the knowledge of the various techniques
for newspaper and magazine printing.
Description
First Hour (week10)
History of printing.
Second Hour (week 10)
Letter press printing Principles.
Third hour (Week 10)
Principles of Lithography
First Hour (Week 11)
Intaglio print making technique
Second Hour
Modern innovations- computer printing
Digital printing
Third Hours (Week 11)
Screening
Stochastic screening
Study Questions
1. Trace the history of printing technologies.
2. Write short note on letter press and lithography printing methods.
3. What is Intaglio printing?
4. Describe digital and screen printing.
5. List and give brief analysis of five printing machines.
Reading List
1. 1.Adisa4 R. M. (2005) Fundamentals of Newspaper/Magazine Editing and Production.
Osogbo: positive Impact Publications, pp. 120- 133. ISBN 978-32581-4-3.
2. Okoye4 I. (2004) Magazinology. Lagos: Mebyi&Associates, pp. 96-98. ISBN 978-356528-1.
Week 12: Computer to Film and Computer to Plate Printing Methods
Objective
This week lecture will acquaint students with the new imaging technology i.e. Computer to film
and Computer to plate Production Process in newspaper and magazine industries.
Description
First Hour
Desktop Publishing (DTP)
Second Hour
Computer to film (CTF), where the computer file is output onto a photographic film.
Third Hour
Computer to plate (CTP).
Advantages and disadvantages of CTF and CTP.
Study Questions
1. Describe the process of computer to film.
2. What are the special features of computer to plate?
3. Compare and contrast CTF and CTP.
4. List advantages and disadvantages of CTF and CTP.
5. What is Desktop printing?
Reading List
1.Desktop
publishing-Wikipedia,
the
free
encyclopedia3,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DTP. Accessed 14 November, 2009.
available
at
Week 13: Starting Magazine and Newspaper Publication
Objective
The main objectives of this week are to explain to students all the initial steps required to start
publishing a newspaper or magazine.
Description
First Hour
Feasibility study or initial research.
Second Hour
Blueprint – detail plan.
The publication formula.
Third Hour
Format-physical appearance of the publication.
Design-prototype.
Economics-funding.
Study Questions
1. Describe the feasibility study required when starting a national newspaper in Nigeria.
2. How is blueprint for a new magazine prepared?
3. Select two standard Magazines published in Nigeria and analyze their formula.
4. List 15 magazines published in Nigeria.
5. Select one magazine each from Nigeria and America or Britain, then describe their
formula.
Reading List
1. Okoye4 I. (2004). Magazinology. Lagos: Mebyi&Associates, pp. 37-47. ISBN 97835652-8-1.
Week 14: Newspaper and Magazine Circulation
Objective
The main objective is to explain the meaning and dynamics of circulation of newspaper after
production. Also, students will be acquainted with the roles and relevance of Audit Bureau of
Circulation.
Description
First Hour
Meaning of circulation
Classification of newspaper according to circulation.
Second Hour
Roles and relevance of Audit Bureau of Circulation.
Third Hour
Problems of newspaper and magazine circulation.
Study Questions
1. Define newspaper circulation and distribution.
2. Classify Nigerian newspapers according to circulation
3. How relevant is ABC in Nigeria?
4. What are the problems confronting ABC?
5. Explain the problem limiting newspaper and magazine circulation in Nigeria.
Reading List
1. Adisa4 R. M. (2005). Fundamentals of Newspaper/Magazine Editing and Production.
Osogbo: positive Impact Publications, pp. 151- 163. ISBN 978-32581-4-3.
2. Franklin4 B., Hamer M., Hanna M., Kinsey M.and. Richardson J. E. (2005). Key
Concepts in Journalism Studies. London: SAGE Publications, p. 36. ISBN 1 7619 4481
8.
Week 15: Revision
Objectives
Being the last class on the course students would be expected to seek for clarification and
explanation on any difficult topic or area treated during the course.
Revision Questions
1. Outline the development of newspaper and magazine in Nigeria.
2. List Nigerian newspapers in circulation.
3. List all magazines publish and in circulation in Nigeria.
4. What are the major classifications of magazine?
5. List 10 examples, each, of general interest, soft sell, sports and news magazines.
6. What are the major elements of newspaper page?
7. Explain the process of newspaper and magazine design and layout.
8. List and explain the essential elements of newspaper and magazine layout.
9. What is the significance of special effects on newspaper pages?
10. Describe dummy sheet.
11. List and explain proofreading symbols.
12. What are the items contained on the front and back pages folios?
13. What types of specialized reporting are mostly found in Nigerian newspapers?
14. Why is Op-ed regarded as important content of newspaper?
Reading List
1. Adisa4 R. M. (2005). Fundamentals of Newspaper/Magazine Editing and Production.
Osogbo: positive Impact Publications, pp 25-32.ISBN 978-32581-4-3
2.
3. Cole4 P. (2005). “The structure of the print industry”, in: Keeble R. (2005) Print
Journalism A critical introduction. USA: Routledge, pp 30-38. ISBN 0-203-00676-3.
4. Conboy4 M. (2005). “The Print Industry – Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow: An
Overview” in: Keeble R. (Ed.) Print Journalism A critical introduction. USA: Routledge,
pp 4-8. ISBN 0-203-00676-3
5. Franklin4 B., Hamer M., Hanna M., Kinsey M.and. Richardson J. E. (2005). Key
Concepts in Journalism Studies. London: SAGE Publications, p. 36. ISBN 1 7619 4481
8.
6. Frost4 C. (2005). “Design for print media” in Richard K. (Ed.) Print Journalism A
critical introduction. London: Routledge, pp 201- 204. ISBN 0-203-00676-3.
7. Okoye4 I. (2004). Magazinology. Lagos: Mebyi&Associates,pp2-10.ISBN 978-35652-81.
8. Okoye4 I. (2000). Newspaper Editing and Production in the Computer Age. Lagos:
Mbeyi and Associate, pp
9. Tattersall4 M. (2008). “Page layout and design” in Franklin B. (Ed.) Pulling Newspapers
Apart, Analysing Print Journalism, London: Routledge, pp 196-203. ISBN 0-203-63070X
10. Niblock4 S. (2005). Inside Journalism. London: Blueprint, pp 13-19 ISBN 0-203-401735.
11. www.mediaawareness.ca/newspapers_magazines 3
12. Desktop
publishing-Wikipedia,
the
free
encyclopedia3,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DTP. Accessed 14 November, 2009.
KEY
1- Available in the University Library
2- Available in local bookshops
3- Available on the Web.
4- Personal collection
5- Departmental libraries
available
at