manchetes

Manchetes are the large headlines that occupy the front page of newspapers and other news publications. In Portuguese, the term denotes the main banner headline that announces the lead story, typically designed to grab attention and convey the most important news of the edition. The plural manchetes refers to multiple such headlines across outlets or to the collection of front-page top stories in a given period.

Characteristics and function include typographic prominence, with big, bold type that may span several columns. Manchetes are often accompanied by a photograph or a smaller subhead (deck) that provides additional context. The wording is chosen to convey urgency, significance, or novelty, and editorial decisions about which story becomes the manchete reflect perceived audience interest and newsroom priorities.

Regional usage varies. In Brazil and Portugal, manchete is a standard term for the main front-page headline. In many Spanish-speaking countries, the equivalent concept is more commonly described as the titular, portada, or portada principal, though manchete can be understood in some contexts as well. Outside journalism, the term may appear in media criticism or discussions of newspaper design and press history.

Historical note and media reference: Manchete also refers to Revista Manchete, a prominent Brazilian weekly news magazine founded in 1954 by Bloch Editores. It became famous for dramatic photography and coverage of politics, culture, and current events, and it remained influential until it ceased publication in the late 1990s. The magazine’s name remains associated with bold, attention-grabbing journalism.