A study examined the graphic devices used on the front pages of 78 American newspapers with a circulation of 25,000 or more and explored editors' attitudes toward the importance of front page appearance and graphics to newspaper readers. Questionnaires were sent to the newspapers' staff members primarily responsible for front page layout and design. Among the results were the following: (1) front page layout was done most often by the news editor; (2) most papers had more than 10 persons on the graphic staff; (3) the model front page was modular in design with six columns across and five or six stories, half of which jumped to an inside page; (4) most front pages had two photographs, which were most likely to relate to a front page story rather than to one inside; (5) most dailies were turning to four-color photographs; (6) there was a near-even split among the respondents as to whether graphic design is something readers take into account when deciding which newspaper to read; (7) editors rated the use of graphs and maps, placement of largest photograph, and body type size as the elements most noticeable to readers; (8) most editors said they were satisfied with the front page appearance of their own newspaper, but only one-half agreed that the front pages of American dailies are generally attractive; (9) highest ratings for appearance went to the "Miami Herald" and "USA Today"; and (10) editors agreed that appearance can be a critical factor in a competitive market. (HTH)