Abstract
Even though the main reasons for judging a newspaper are not formal in nature, such reasons nevertheless count. A sociological analysis of the front pages of the top 25 papers published in Mexico City shows that certain elements (keeping a standard design from one issue to the next; expressive yet discrete headlines) can be found in all the papers deemed prestigious by survey respondents. La Jornada, Reforma, and El Financiero all place careful attention on writing their headlines which, while not quite telegraphic in their construction, clearly summarize the message and lead easily into the body text. The popular press often resorts to ambiguous and sensational head- Fines, larger sized type, the excessive use of capitals, and large photographs to attract purchasers.