Is it an article, a column, or an editorial (and why does it matter)?

One potentially overlooked element of basic grammar is directly related to the definition of journalism: what is the difference between an article, a column, or an editorial? After all, they all refer to the written word, and they all pertain to the nonfiction genre. You see all three in any given newspaper, both in print and online. But why is it important to learn the differences?

Words and semantics matter, of course, especially in the world of journalism. To accurately gauge the source and veracity of what you read, it’s important to know the differences between these three.

An article is about reported news.

No, not the article in a sentence: any form of journalism about a reported situation is an article. In school, you may have learned about the “who, what, where, when, why, and how” of reporting: the news is “just the facts,” and an article is news in its most straightforward form. A successful article tries not to express an opinion or make an unsubstantiated claim, which distinguishes it from a column or an editorial.

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Some examples of recent articles include:

Nationwide winter storm set to bring everything from blizzard conditions to tornadoes (CNN)
October Inflation Report: Price Pressures Show Signs of Cooling (New York Times)
Hero dog leads cops to owner, 84, who was missing for a week (New York Post)

A column expresses an opinion.

A column can express views related to any subject. Columns are written both by on-staff journalists and experts from outside the publication. They express commentary and opinions on a subject, typically backed up by arguments with supporting evidence. A column typically appears in a publication regularly. Publications (and blogs) use columns to provide a platform for experts such as scientists, politicians, writers, or social commenters to give their expertise to a situation. If a publication is attempting to present differing opinions, then it may publish contrasting opinions at the same time.

Columns are also usually titled “Opinion” or “Op-Ed.” Journalistic ethics dictate that any article expressing an opinion must be marked as such — otherwise, readers might be confused into believing the wrong angles of a news event.

Some examples of recent columns include:

49ers’ rout of Bucs behind rookie QB gives NFC a needed lift (San Diego Tribune)
Op-Ed: Think bigger. Switching to electric cars isn’t enough (Los Angeles Times)
Can India Capitalize on China’s Manufacturing Woes? (Wall Street Journal)

“Keeping these three categories distinct is vital to being a savvy reader and media consumer. But it’s also important for your own writing projects: perhaps you’ll be called to cover breaking news, showcase your expert opinion, or join an editorial board.”

An editorial also expresses an opinion, but it represents the publication’s official stance.

Unlike a column, which can represent a diverse range of opinions, an editorial represents the official position or perspective of a publication’s editorial team. This form of writing usually does not carry an individual’s byline; rather, it is attributed to “Our View,” or “The Editorial Board,” or similar.

Unlike a column, an editorial is not regularly scheduled but usually comes out during a major event, such as an election: during times when major decisions are being made, an editorial establishes a publication’s official stance, makes an argument in favor of its views, reinforces the views of its readership, and attempts to sway those on the outside of its base.

Some examples of recent editorials include:

The Guardian view on rivers: delaying pollution controls will only lead to harm (The Guardian)
Freeloading tech giants should pay for the local news they use (Chicago Tribune)
The Times Endorses Kathy Hochul for Governor of New York (New York Times)

Keeping these three categories distinct is vital to being a savvy reader and media consumer. It’s also important for your own writing projects: perhaps you’ll be called to cover breaking news, showcase your expert opinion, or join an editorial board. If that’s the case, stay prepared with more writing tips and grammar advice.