Headline news (often shortened to simply headlines) is a type of television and radio news programming that offers round the clock broadcasts of current events, with short descriptions. The style of these news programs typically includes a mix of hard news, weather, sports, and entertainment news, with a focus on local events. The newscasts often feature a rotating panel of experts and guests who discuss various topics. Headline news can also feature a newswheel at the top of each hour that provides a brief summary of the day’s events.
In the digital age, where most people read news online, headlines have become critical for determining whether or not a story is clicked on and consumed. Researchers have found that certain characteristics of headlines – like negativity,1 likeminded ideas,2 and the use of puns and metaphors – may increase the likelihood that a person clicks on a story. However, the overall impact of headline style on news consumption is still being explored.
Straight news headlines provide a concise summary of a story’s content, while human interest elements and storytelling can be incorporated. Typically, these types of headlines answer the who, what, when, and where questions.
Feature headlines tease the content of an article in a creative or interesting way, and can include a hint of what is to come or create intrigue. The use of creative language and imagery is often a good strategy, as it can enhance the storytelling. However, some types of headlines may be considered clickbait if they are used to artificially inflate click rates. While this may attract a temporary audience, it can hurt the credibility of a news source in the long run.