What Makes a Newspaper a Tabloid? Uncovering the Secrets

The Tabloid Format: Small but Mighty

Alright, you might be wondering, what even makes a newspaper a tabloid? It’s more than just the size. I remember chatting with my colleague Sarah, who's been in the journalism game for years, and she made a good point. Sure, tabloid papers are smaller, but there’s a lot more to it. They have a very specific, almost “in-your-face” style. But is that enough to define a tabloid? Let’s dive in!

The Physical Size: More Than Just Pocket-Sized

First off, tabloids are typically smaller than broadsheet newspapers. They’re not as big as the usual newspapers you see; they’re more compact, designed to be portable. It's actually part of what gives them that "quick read" vibe. But hey, size alone doesn’t make them tabloid. It’s the combination of the physical format and the content style that does the trick.

Some people think, "Oh, it’s just a smaller paper, right?" But no, there’s a specific reason why tabloids are designed to be so handy—they make it easy for people to grab and go, whether on the subway or during a lunch break. I’ve caught myself picking up a tabloid more than once just because it fits right in my bag. And let’s not forget, the compact size kinda adds to the dramatic flair of the headlines.

Sensationalism: The Heart of a Tabloid

Here’s where things get interesting. A big part of what defines a tabloid isn’t the size or format—it’s the content. Tabloid newspapers are infamous for their sensationalism. They focus on shocking, scandalous, and sometimes downright outrageous stories. But don’t get me wrong—this doesn’t mean the stories are all untrue. Sometimes they’re just presented with a more… let’s say, exaggerated twist.

The Tabloid Headlines: Bold, Bright, and Loud

Headlines in tabloids? Oh, they’re like a slap in the face. Big, bold, and often a little over-the-top. They’re designed to grab your attention and keep it. I’ll admit, I’ve fallen for them a few times myself—especially when I’m just scrolling through the news on my phone and see something that screams “SHOCKING” or “EXCLUSIVE.” It’s just hard to resist.

A recent example? There’s a tabloid I won’t name (but you know the one). They had this headline that screamed, “Is This the End of the World?” I mean, come on, right? Definitely not the kind of headline you’d see in a traditional broadsheet, which would approach the topic more seriously, perhaps with data or scientific analysis. But tabloids? They just want to make you feel something. Anything. And that’s what sells.

The Content: Scandals, Celebrities, and the Everyday Drama

So, you’re probably thinking, “Okay, I get it, tabloids are about the sensational headlines. But what do they actually write about?” Well, here’s the thing—tabloids LOVE celebrity gossip. But it’s not just the stars they follow; they’re all about scandal. Affairs, breakups, celebrity feuds, bizarre rumors—you name it.

And the thing is, it’s not just celebrities who get caught up in the tabloid web. Everyday stories—things like local scandals, criminal cases, or even just juicy drama from the neighborhood—get that same treatment. When I spoke to my friend Tom, who works in PR, he said, "Tabloids know what people are actually interested in—drama, conflict, anything that'll make you gasp." He’s not wrong.

Soft News vs. Hard News: The Tabloid Divide

Now, let’s talk about a distinction you might not know about: soft news vs. hard news. Tabloids thrive on “soft news,” which is lighter, more entertaining, and often focuses on human interest, entertainment, or celebrity gossip. It's the kind of news that’s easy to digest in the moment, rather than something you need to analyze deeply. In contrast, broadsheets focus more on "hard news," like politics or global events, which might not pull you in with a crazy headline but offers a more substantial, factual approach.

I actually made the mistake of calling a tabloid a “serious newspaper” once in a conversation with a friend. Boy, did I get an earful after that! The thing is, even though tabloids can sometimes have real facts, the way they spin stories is entirely different from a broadsheet. They’re designed to entertain as much as they inform, if not more so.

The Tabloid Culture: Why Do We Love Them?

What really gets me thinking is why people are so drawn to tabloids. I’ve had a few heart-to-heart convos with friends about this, and honestly, it’s the drama. People love a good story, and tabloids deliver that in heaps. And they do it quickly. The instant gratification of reading something shocking or salacious—it's like watching a reality TV show in print.

Tabloids also know their audience. They’re not out here writing for academics or policy experts. They’re writing for people who just want to know what’s happening, what’s weird, and what's just... wow. And let’s be real, sometimes you just want a quick fix of something scandalous to get your day going.

Conclusion: Tabloid or Not?

So, to wrap it up: what makes a newspaper a tabloid? It’s a mix of the format, the sensational headlines, the focus on scandalous or light news, and the sometimes in-your-face presentation. And while they get a bad rap for their sensational nature, there’s something undeniably captivating about them.

You don’t have to be a fan, but the truth is—tabloids know how to grab your attention and keep you coming back for more. Whether it’s celebrity gossip or a local scandal, they’ve got the art of storytelling down to a tee. So, next time you’re flipping through one, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting into!

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.