A banner headline is a prominent and eye-catching heading or title used at the top of a newspaper or magazine article that conveys the most important or significant news of the day. It serves as a focal point and aims to attract readers' attention to the main story or event being covered.
Typically displayed in large and bold lettering, a banner headline is strategically placed on the front page or section cover to instantly grab the audience's interest and give a snapshot of the top news story. It is usually concise, conveying the essence of the story in a limited number of words while maintaining clarity and impact.
Banner headlines are especially prevalent in print media, where their main purpose is to capture readers' attention as they scan the newspaper or magazine. In addition to drawing attention, they often play a vital role in setting the tone or theme of the publication. By effectively summarizing the news story, they allow readers to quickly determine the overall subject matter and decide if they want to read the complete article.
Moreover, banner headlines are commonly used in online news platforms, where they act as clickable links or highlights that direct users to the full story. They are designed to stand out amidst the vast amount of online content, catching the readers' eyeballs and encouraging them to explore further.
The primary function of a banner headline is to act as a hook, compelling readers to delve deeper into the piece and stay engaged with the publication.
The word "banner" comes from the Old French "baniere" which means "flag or ensign". It originated from the Late Latin "bandum" which referred to a "military standard or flag". Over time, "banner" came to represent a large flag or sign used to convey a message or symbolize a cause.
The term "headline" originated in the late 19th century and refers to the title or heading of a newspaper article. It is derived from the noun "head", meaning the top part of something, combined with "line", which suggests a linear element.
Therefore, the term "banner headline" combines these two words, referring to a prominent and attention-grabbing headline that is displayed in a way similar to a large flag or banner.