riviotsikot

Riviotsikot, meaning line headlines, describe a layout practice in Finnish journalism where several short, thematically related headlines are presented together in a row or column. They are designed to give readers quick access to subtopics within a story and to add visual interest to the page. Riviotsikot are typically concise and often use sentence fragments or noun phrases; they may employ parallel structure to create a cohesive block of text.

In practice, riviotsikot appear near the top of a page or alongside a main headline. They can be arranged as horizontal rows under the main headline or as a vertical stack in a sidebar. The wording tends to be brief and highly scannable, with emphasis on immediacy and clarity. This format helps guide the reader to different aspects of the article and supports quick navigation in dense layouts.

The use of riviotsikot is common in Finnish newspapers, magazines, and digital news platforms, particularly where space is limited and fast skimming is encouraged. They are part of broader headline practices and have parallels with subheadings or deck lines found in other media traditions. The exact presentation can vary by publication, ranging from tightly controlled typographic grids to more flexible, modular arrangements in online formats.

Critically, riviotsikot influence how a reader understands an article by foregrounding specific subtopics and shaping expectations. They rely on brevity and punch to attract attention without fully describing the entire content. See also: otsikko, subheadline.