World’s Best: National Post

 

February 14th, 2012

By

National Post, Toronto, Canada

Cir. 75,000 – 174-999 (Daily)

Judges’ Statement

The National Post lures its readers in with a sultry beauty, and then captivates them with an authoritative attitude that makes this Canadian daily a must-read.

This newspaper — always elegant, always powerful — stands out as a World’s Best this year for its excellence in, and devotion to, true visual storytelling. From its dramatic use of illustration, even on its front page, to its combination of photos, graphics and text on stories like the tsunami in Japan, the Post utilizes every visual tool in its arsenal to perfection.

The base structure of the Post is well-defined and delivers a stunning, unique look, starting with the vertical nameplate on Page 1 and continuing with the horizontal “workspace” at the top of each inside page. This space’s diversity, with the bold use of horizontal images, breakout information or strong quotes — adds a dynamic start to every page in the book.

The exacting commitment to its design style is admirable, and the attention to detail throughout the book is impressive. Even the sports agate is lovingly designed and well-executed. No detail is left to chance, and the Post’s “voice” is evident on every page.

Finally, and most importantly, the content itself defines this publication. The “How We Died” package, complete with a two-page informational graphic, is brilliant; the Financial Post section continues to be outstanding; and the Weekend Post section is packed with elegant visual treats.

This is a paper that knows when to whisper, and knows when to shout. It chooses its words, pictures, graphics and illustrations with care. It knows its mission. And it delivers it each day … with style.

The Judges:

Bill Gaspard, China Daily, Beijing
Scott Goldman, The Indianapolis Star and IndyStar.com
Rhonda Prast, Missouri School of Journalism
Søren Nyeland, Politiken, Copenhagen, Denmark
Bob Unger, The Standard-Times, New Bedford, Mass.

 

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  • 3:15 pm February 14th, 2012

    National Post named best-designed newspaper in the world | Editors | National Post said:

    [...] them with an authoritative attitude that makes this Canadian daily a must-read,” the SND judges wrote in announcing the award. (See many of our winning pages after the [...]

  • 3:58 pm February 14th, 2012

    SND Awards « Design Influence said:

    [...] announced its top 5 newspaper designs and Canada is well represented with 2 winners from Toronto: the National Post and the Grid. The three other winners also displayed strong typography coupled with memorable [...]

  • 2:46 pm February 15th, 2012

    Toronto Eyes said:

    Congratulations to both papers, it reflects well on Canadian publication design in general.

    The Grid honour is well deserved— a great product. Its mother-ship owner the Toronto Star should learn a lesson or two from the Grid team.

    As far as the Post, indeed a well designed product that has SND has well rewarded over the years for Lucie LaCava’s brilliant design. Unfortunately, practically no one reads it, far from a must read.

  • 5:24 pm February 15th, 2012

    Don said:

    To be fair, more than 300,000 people reading the print version every day is hardly practically no one. At $14 a month, it’s a great value. Not quite as good a value as The Grid, but I’m just glad we have both here in Toronto.

  • 10:33 am February 16th, 2012

    Lucie Lacava said:

    Congratulations to the entire National Post newsroom, and kudos to Gayle who outdoes herself year after year!

  • 10:48 am February 16th, 2012

    Toronto Eyes said:

    To be even more fair the Post’s audited circulation (ABC Sept 2011 report)
    claims its highest daily (paid) circulation of 151,957 for the Weekend Post Saturday.

  • 2:52 pm February 16th, 2012

    Don said:

    Circulation isn’t the same as readership. The average copy of a newspaper is read by more than two people.

    http://news.nationalpost.com/2011/09/28/national-post-sees-significant-readership-gains-online-and-in-print/

  • 4:54 pm February 16th, 2012

    Wayne Moriarty said:

    Great design and the best paper for commentary I have ever read. Congrats to all

  • 10:07 pm February 19th, 2012

    MaryLS said:

    The Post is very much out-pacing the Globe (another Toronto paper and the Post’s traditional competition)these days: in terms of visual design as well as engaging, informative content — wonderful columnists. It’s a great newspaper. If Toronto Eyes thinks people are not reading it, I think he is several years out of date.

  • 12:31 am February 28th, 2012

    5 periódicos mejor diseñados del mundo « Ciberperiodismo said:

    [...] 2-National Post [...]

  • 8:41 am March 6th, 2012

    Sejo said:

    Love it. Shame I can’t find it in Italy.

  • 5:54 pm March 19th, 2012

    Canadian newspaper design awards | YeahLabs said:

    [...] Canadian publications – the National Post and weekly Toronto rag The Grid - recently ranked in the top five in the Society for News [...]

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