What Is an Op-Ed Column?

An opinionated editorial essay is one of the few articles in a newspaper that is open to anyone with something to say. It is also a column that is generally found opposite the editorial page. Both are considered reasons for the name "op-ed."

Significance

Op-ed columns give people not affiliated with the editorial staff to share an authoritative view or perspective on current events or local concerns.

History

In 1921, Herbert Bayard Swope of The New York Evening World created the first modern op-ed page, opposite the editorial page, to be a catchall for book reviews and obituaries.

Types

Commentaries in the op-ed column can range from small town animal rescue to global nuclear war. The Wall Street Journal's op-ed submission guidelines state, "The article should be a strong argument about an issue in the news." As long as it is strongly opinionated with a valid argument, almost any topic is considered worthy of print.

Size

The Los Angeles Times reported that the average length of its op-ed columns is approximately 750 words, while The Wall Street Journal asks for 600-1,200 jargon-free words. Other op-ed pieces range from 300-700 words.

Time Frame

Op-ed articles are geared toward predominant current issues. They can be on a local scale or world-wide, political or domestic, but generally ally themselves with current events or popular topics.

References

• Wikipedia

Resources

• History News Service