Changes in Editorials: A Study of Three Newspapers,1955–1985

Abstract

This study is based on a content analysis of the New York Times, Chicago Tribune and Los Angeles Times for 1955, 1965, 1975 and 1985. Many variables are studied. The author finds that all three papers emphasized politics and government most in all periods, with economic activity a distant second. Local editorials usually accounted for about one-fifth the number. In 1985 versus 1955, editorials are more likely to take a stand, to be shorter, but are less likely to use the editorial “we.” The study finds that editorials have adapted to changes in the news columns, where there is far more interpretation.