Sidebars

Definition

Sidebars are supplementary content in journalism that enhances the main story by providing additional context, background information, or related details. They serve as a visual and informative tool, often placed alongside the primary article, to engage readers and enrich their understanding of the topic at hand.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sidebars can include statistics, quotes, anecdotes, or short profiles related to the main story, making them a versatile tool for journalists.
2. They are commonly used in soft news and feature writing to break up text and provide readers with quick, digestible information.
3. Visual elements like charts or images can be incorporated into sidebars to enhance their appeal and effectiveness.
4. Sidebars allow writers to present information without interrupting the flow of the main narrative, keeping readers engaged.
5. Good sidebars complement the main article by deepening the reader's understanding of the topic without overwhelming them with too much detail.

Review Questions

• How do sidebars enhance the reader's experience when engaging with a feature article?
  • Sidebars enhance the reader's experience by providing supplementary content that adds depth to the main article. They offer additional context or interesting facts that might not fit into the primary narrative but are still relevant. This not only keeps readers engaged but also helps them grasp the topic more comprehensively.
• Discuss how effective use of sidebars can influence the overall presentation of soft news stories.
  • Effective use of sidebars in soft news stories can significantly influence how information is presented and perceived by readers. By strategically placing sidebars next to the main narrative, journalists can highlight important facts or themes that support the story's angle. This aids in breaking up text-heavy sections, thus improving readability and keeping audience interest high throughout the article.
• Evaluate the role of sidebars in shaping audience understanding of complex issues in feature writing.
  • Sidebars play a critical role in shaping audience understanding of complex issues by distilling intricate topics into manageable pieces of information. By incorporating statistics, expert quotes, or real-life examples in sidebars, writers can clarify key points without detracting from the main narrative. This layered approach not only enhances engagement but also fosters informed readership by providing a more rounded view of multifaceted subjects.

Related terms

Infographic: A visual representation of information or data, designed to make complex information easily understandable and engaging.

Pull Quote: A quotation from the main text highlighted within the article, often set apart visually to draw attention and emphasize key points.

Feature Article: A longer piece of writing that explores a specific topic in depth, often focusing on human interest angles and storytelling.