mastheads

A masthead is a term used in publishing and nautical contexts to describe the identification area at the top of a publication or vessel. In print media, a masthead refers to the block or line on the front page or header that identifies the publication by name, often accompanied by a logo. It typically includes the issue date, volume and issue number, price, and, in many cases, information about ownership, governance, and the editorial staff. The masthead serves as official identification and a record for readers and, in some jurisdictions, regulators. Its placement and contents can vary by publication, with some keeping it consistently on the front page and others reserving it for the interior pages or the editorial section.

Historically linked to the branding and accountability of a publication, the masthead function remains important for readers seeking reliability and for readers who need to contact the publication or verify its leadership. In nautical usage, masthead denotes the very top of a ship’s mast, where lookout posts or equipment such as the masthead light are located.

In digital media, the term has migrated to describe the website header or identity area that contains the logo and site name, and often navigation links. Although the visual presentation may change with design trends, the masthead continues to convey the publication’s identity and authority, even as platforms evolve. Common elements across mastheads include the publication name or logo, date information, and leadership or ownership details, serving both branding and formal reference needs.