The Anatomy of an opinion. In print.
So, what is an Op-ed?
Let us give full credit where credit is due: John Oakes, the editorial page editor of The New York Times in 1970, created the first op-ed page. Because, he felt: “ A newspaper most effectively fulfills its social and civic responsibilities by challenging authority, acting independently, and inviting dissent.” (Well said sir.)
- “Op-ed” is short for “opposite the editorial page,” not “opinion and editorial” or opinions that are opposite from those of the editorial page. Literally, the name comes from the fact that it was located across from – opposite to – the editorial page in a print newspaper.
- An op-ed is a formally written, opinionated article submitted to a newspaper, magazine or site for publication. The page typically includes op-eds authored by the entity’s opinion columnists; these are employees of the publication who write for them regularly. Although well-known individuals who are not a part of the newspaper’s editorial team will often submit op-eds that are frequently published.
- Many publications will also accept op-ed submissions from their readers as well. This generally gives a bit more room to the author than a letter to the editor would allow. Outside, especially reader submitted op-eds can give the publication an opportunity to present views they would not normally be able to publish. (Much like Mr. Oakes was hoping for we suspect.)
The Gist: Op-eds are opinion based essays/articles, usually about current events, placed in the opinion section of a publication. They are written by both employees of the entity, well-known individuals and the general public. Although Op-eds from the general public are rarely published.
Op-ed noun
: an essay in a newspaper or magazine that gives the opinion of the writer
How about a Letter to the Editor?
Letter to the editor noun
: A letter written to a newspaper, magazine or other periodical about issues of concern to readers
Letters to the editor have a longer history behind them than op-eds do. One of the earliest commentary directly to an American newspaper was actually letters.
- In 1767 in the Pennsylvania Chronicle “Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania” was first published. It is one of the earliest, most widely reprinted letters of its kind featured in early American newspapers. In the years that followed these types of letters were increasingly placed near the editorials in newspapers finally coming to rest in the “opinions section” of modern publications.
- A modern letter to the editor is a letter sent to a publication about issues of concern for its readers, frequently in direct response to an editorial recently featured in the entity itself. A letter to the editor is typically shorter than an op-ed, and it is almost always written by a reader or concerned citizen. Not a columnist or public figure.
- Usually, these letters are sent with the intent for publication, however some are simply meant as communication from the reader. There have been many letters to the editor that praise the publication or tip their hat to a favorite columnist or article. While others may take on a personal grievance with the entity or specific journalist in general. This is the beauty of a letter to the editor; it is freedom to voice how you feel about the publications printings.
The Gist: A letter to the editor is a shorter, usually opinionated article written by a reader who wants to share their position about something they've just read or how they feel about the publication in general. The modern submission process is notoriously selective when choosing a letter to the editor for publication.
An Editorial?
Here is how the New York Times describes their editorial board: "Their primary responsibility is to write The Times editorials, which represent the voice of the board, its editor and the publisher. The board is part of the opinion department, which is operated separately from The Times newsroom, and includes the Letters to the Editor and Op-ed sections."
- An editorial is an opinion article that states the position of a publication's editorial board, which are a staff of writers, often with individual areas of expertise. Such as economics, foreign policy or politics, who draft editorial essays.
- They are voted on by the board, which usually includes the publisher. They are then published, usually with no author attribution, as the official opinions of the newspaper. Often times the editorial board will decide on topics and the paper’s opinion, or stance before these writers even begin their first draft.
- While it was formally common practice for editorials to go unsigned, the newer trend has been toward listing the names of editorial board members. Although the editor will often not write the editorials themselves, they do maintain oversight and retain responsibility.
The Gist: Editorials are articles written by the senior editorial staff or publisher of a newspaper, magazine, or other written publication, often unsigned or signed by the editorial board. It is written by or on behalf of the entity at large and gives the opinion of the publication on a topical issue.
Editorial noun
: a newspaper or magazine article that gives the opinions of the editors or publishers
*Remember: All of the above are located in the opinion section
So what is not opinion in print news?
Well, news "Articles" were originally meant to be, and still are meant to be: Written neutrally, from a neutral stance and perspective. They are meant to be unbiased and objective, using expert analysis and witness statements when available. (Unfortunately these standards have visibly weakened over time.)
Then, what are Letters to the Op-ed?
"Letters to the Op-ed are formally written, respectful direct responses, rebuttals, personal perspectives or statements regarding a previously published Op-ed, Article, or Editorial." -M
Historically the average citizen is more likely (if chosen from the many) to be published in the "Letters to the editor" section of a mainstream publication than a formal Op-ed they have authored being published in the same entity. Currently, we have witnessed a large rise in Op-eds authored by celebrities, politicians, "bigger names" "highly educated professionals" or "published writers." This is what sparked the thought that perhaps readers, or the public in general, would like to address a topic or subject discussed in a specific Op-ed or editorial piece and actually get their voice heard. Perhaps then they would like their voice to be more loudly heard than it could be in a broad, notoriously selective, vastly under read (by comparison) section such as "Letters to the editor." Thus, the meaning behind Letters to the Op-ed. The way we see it: all news has become opinion, you should have a platform for yours too.
The Gist: More average citizens are published in the "Letters to the editor" section of printed news outlets. Far less Op-eds are selected to be published in mainstream publications by average citizens. Letters to the Op-ed however, are direct statements to an Op-ed, article or editorial that has been published in general. They are not letters to an editor more so a rebuttal or direct statement to a printed opinion piece. Most notably Letters to the Op-ed are openly published on this site and can be authored by anyone regardless of social, political, educational, or economic standing. Regardless of public position or social influence. Everyone has a voice here. Check some out below.