Definition of Manual of Style

Most media communication, especially newspapers, have a series of guidelines and rules for transmitting information. With them, those who work in each medium can know how their work should be carried out. This type of information is known as a style guide.

What aspects are involved in a newspaper style manual?

Although the standards included in these types of guides are very diverse, some significant points are the following:

- Typeface model used and typographic standards.

- Treatment of graphics, photos and captions.

- The use of the signature and names in different languages.

- The use of symbols, abbreviations, acronyms, initials and acronyms.

- The criteria for using the orthographic signs and grammar rules.

- The treatment of information "off the record".

- The focus of the news (for example, a media I shouldn't admit that a rumor is news.)

- Some recommendations related to the narrative style (as the information has to be precise, the use of ambiguous words, such as numerous, a group or some, is usually discouraged).

- The I respect copyright and the various prohibitions related to the reproduction of information from other media.

- The approach about advertising spaces (for example, the Newspaper should commit to the veracity of the advertising that is published).

- The use of rude expressions (obscene words are usually forbidden in most manuals, except in cases where they are quotes).

- These manuals reflect the rules to follow, but also indicate which exceptions are valid.

Functions of a style guide

In the first place, this type of norm facilitates the daily work of the editors and collaborators of a communication medium. If there were no such rules, there would be all kinds of inconsistencies. In this sense, in style manuals it is customary to specify which rules must be respected for each type of journalistic information (news, interviews, reports, chronicles ...). Second, these guides represent a commitment to the quality and informative rigor. At the same time, they represent a commitment to journalistic ethics.

From a strictly journalistic angle, those who write in a newspaper must do so with professional criteria and in a language that is accessible to the general public. From the reader's point of view, the style manual allows for better understanding of the news and a greater identification between the reader and the media.

Photos: Fotolia - Dmitry / DELstudio

Themes in Style Guide