Pääkuva

Pääkuva is a Finnish term used in journalism to refer to the main image that accompanies a news article or a publication’s front page. The word translates roughly to “main picture” or “lead image.” In practice, the pääkuva serves as a visual summary or focal point for the story and is designed to attract reader attention and convey its mood or context.

In print and digital media, the pääkuva is chosen by editors or a photo editor and is typically paired with a caption and photo credit. On the web, the same image often functions as the hero image at the top of the article and may be reused in social media previews to generate engagement. The selection process emphasizes relevance, clarity, quality, and rights clearance for use.

Ethical and practical considerations guide pääkuva decisions. Images should accurately represent the event or subject, avoid sensationalism, and respect privacy and consent, particularly when identifiable people are depicted. Editorial standards may also govern factors such as composition, color balance, and how much of the image is cropped.

Variations of the concept exist, including a front-page image on a newspaper’s first page or a prominent lead image at the top of online features. While the term is rooted in Finnish journalism, the function it describes is common across many media environments: a leading visual element that complements text and helps set the article’s presentation.