Newspapers have increased their emphasis on page design and presentation due to modern design styles, competition, and changes in technology. While newspaper designers have taken on increasingly important roles in newsrooms, professional and academic literature points to a divide between "word" journalists and "visual" journalists. This researcher examined current attitudes toward this divide using Q methodology.Forty-one journalists at four Midwestern newspapers comprised the sample. The journalists sorted 50 Q statements concerning attitudes about the responsibilities of designers and the value of design to the newspaper and its readers.Upon analysis of results, respondents were divided into three factor groups: the Collaborators, the Progressives, and the Traditionalists. Respondents in all three factors agreed that design elements serve readers and cooperation between designers and other journalists benefits readers. Collaborators had the most advanced point of view on the ability of designers and other journalists to effectively work together. Progressives were highly correlated with Collaborators, but placed a heavier emphasis on the product rather than the process, expressing positive attitudes toward the ability of design elements to aid readers and add to the quality of the newspaper. Traditionalists represented a less-advanced point of view, expressing negative feelings toward collaboration and the ability of designers to contribute as journalists. Newspaper policies and philosophies appeared to dictate attitudes toward the role of design, rather than demographic characteristics or job responsibilities. / Department of Journalism
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:BSU/oai:cardinalscholar.bsu.edu:handle/187814 |
| Date | January 2004 |
| Creators | Smith, Kathryn J. |
| Contributors | Popovich, Mark N. |
| Source Sets | Ball State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Format | v, 72 leaves ; 28 cm. |
| Source | Virtual Press |
| Coverage | n-usc-- |
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