Editorial is a form of content that shares an educated opinion on a current and often controversial or debated topic or issue. Although a bit more formal than a typical news or opinion piece, editorial is considered to be the highest level of journalism because it is based on research and expert knowledge on the subject matter. It also uses journalistic principles such as impartiality and clarity.
Editorial can take on a variety of forms, from a short paragraph to an essay. The best editorials are well-researched, clear and engaging. They must also be thoughtful and provocative but should never be polemic or harsh. Gray notes that a good editorial should have “quinoa effect: love or loathe it, it gets a reaction.”
Oftentimes, a journal’s editorial will highlight the connections between the papers in its latest issue and discuss current political, social, cultural or economic events, or other topics of high importance to the discipline. However, editorials can also serve a pedagogical function by educating the reader on issues within a field, highlighting new or interesting developments in research and providing perspectives and opinions from a number of experts [4].
Editorial can be published across a range of media formats including articles, podcasts, infographics, video and social media posts. When creating editorial content, it is important to understand the unique needs of your audience and how they engage with each format. This can help you develop a dedicated editorial content strategy that supports your brand identity and forges enduring connections with your audience.
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