The impact of op-eds is significant, as they can influence public opinion, spark debate, or even inspire action. In some cases, well-crafted op-eds have led to policy changes or shifts in public perception, especially when they address urgent or controversial topics.
An “op-ed” is a type of written prose commonly found in newspapers, magazines and online platforms, where an author presents their opinion on a particular issue or topic.
The term “op-ed” is short for “opposite the editorial page,” as these pieces traditionally appear opposite the editorial content in print publications. Over time, however, op-eds have evolved beyond this layout constraint and are now published in various formats across different media.
An op-ed provides a space for individuals, often experts or public figures, to offer personal perspectives on current events, social issues, politics, or cultural topics.
Unlike news articles that prioritize objective reporting, op-eds are opinionated and aim to persuade, inform, or challenge the audience’s viewpoints.
The tone of an op-ed can vary from formal and academic to conversational and provocative, depending on the author’s intent and the publication’s style.
The purpose of an op-ed is to contribute to public discourse by offering insight or raising awareness about a particular issue. Writers are often expected to support their arguments with evidence, such as statistics, personal anecdotes, or references to authoritative sources, while maintaining a clear and engaging narrative.
An effective op-ed is not merely a rant or personal grievance; rather, it is a reasoned argument that invites readers to think critically about the topic being discussed.
While op-eds are typically authored by individuals outside the publication’s editorial staff, they sometimes come from within the publication or from its regular contributors. This allows for a diverse range of voices, perspectives and expertise to be represented.
The editorial team or publisher may review and edit op-eds for clarity, relevance, or to ensure that they align with the publication’s standards, but the opinions expressed are ultimately those of the writer.
The impact of op-eds is significant, as they can influence public opinion, spark debate, or even inspire action. In some cases, well-crafted op-eds have led to policy changes or shifts in public perception, especially when they address urgent or controversial topics. They also serve as a platform for marginalized voices or underrepresented perspectives, giving them a chance to reach a wider audience.
In today’s digital age, the format of op-eds has expanded beyond traditional print media to include blogs, social media platforms and news websites, further broadening access to opinion-based writing. Whether written by a seasoned journalist or a passionate activist, op-eds continue to play a critical role in shaping public conversation and driving societal change.
Bahauddin Foizee is an analyst & columnist focusing on the assessment of threat/risk associated with business, economy and investment as well as legal, security, political and geopolitical threat/risk. His articles on these areas as well as on social, environmental, financial and military affairs in the Asia-Pacific/Indo-Pacific and Middle East regions have been widely published.
OpEd Column Syndication 