Visual communication in large-circulation U.S. newspapers before and after September 11, 2001

Abstract

Through an examination of 580 front-pages from ten large-circulation U.S. newspapers during the six months before and after September 11th, this research found an increase in the size and use of photographs, and a decrease in text content and graphics. Further, this research found an increased reliance on visual techniques and principles of composition in the 1,693 photographs and 222 graphics examined. Thus, this preliminary study finds that September 11th may have signaled a shift in the use and application of visual imagery within the daily large-circulation newspapers examined for this study.