The Impact of Layout and Design in Newspapers on Readers: A Study of the Daily Graphic

Abstract

Over the past decade, publishers all over the world have been concerned about the declining rates of newspaper readership among young generation and there has been much debate about why this is happening. The problem has not only been attributed to advancement in technology, internet and proliferation of the broadcast media but also the low reading culture, whereby it takes much effort for individuals to cultivate the habit of reading. It is imperative that newspapers are made more interactive with more design elements, images, illustrations, colour and information graphics that will simplify reading for young adults. There was the need to find out how the design and layout has impacted the reading culture of young people. Based on qualitative approach, this thesis explores the growing influence and power of layout and design in news delivery which serves as a function of attracting readers. The study assesses the aesthetics and functional impact newspaper design and layout have on readers. Whether layout and design has played its role effectively in attracting and drawing more young people to the Daily Graphic and the extent to which design and layout has impacted on perceptions and revenue generation? The findings support the Dependency theory where readers depend on newspapers for information. Layout and design helps 70 percent of readers to digest news easily. Findings of this study show that layout and design is significantly necessary for a newspaper to look attractive, visible, persuasive, compelling and easy to read. In general, Due to the intense competition in the industry, the Daily Graphic has to come out with innovative layout and design in order to retain its readers as well as attract prospective readers.