In journalism, front-page typically refers to the first page of a newspaper or magazine that contains major news stories and headlines. It may also refer to the front page of a website or online publication. Generally, front-page stories are important and relevant to large numbers of readers. In a sports context, a player’s five wickets or a century often become front-page news.
Back-page, on the other hand, usually refers to the pages of a newspaper or publication that are buried or less prominent. This could include articles or ads that are not as newsworthy or important to as many readers, or it could simply refer to the section of a website where less critical material is found.
For example, in a guidebook, the back pages could contain information about local attractions or businesses. In fiction, a story’s back pages might tease the reader to find out more about characters or plots that appear on the front page.
Front-page (full name Microsoft Office FrontPage) is a WYSIWYG HTML editor and Web site management program that was developed by Microsoft for Windows line of operating systems. It was a component of Microsoft Office from 1997 to 2003. FrontPage was replaced by Microsoft Expression Web and SharePoint Designer.
In 2014, three Jane Does who were sex trafficked as minors sued Backpage, alleging that their traffickers used the website to post ads offering them sex for money. They argued that Backpage’s business and editorial practices were facilitating sex trafficking, which violated the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, and that their rights were protected under CDA Section 230. The court denied their motion to dismiss, and the case is now proceeding to trial.