The question of whether news articles should be italicized often arises in academic writing and citations.
Table of contents
Newspaper Titles vs. Article Titles
It’s important to distinguish between the title of the newspaper itself and the title of the specific article within that newspaper.
Newspaper Titles
Newspaper titles are italicized. For example, The New York Times or The Wall Street Journal.
Article Titles
Article titles are generally not italicized. Instead, they are typically enclosed in quotation marks.
Citation Styles
Different citation styles (MLA, APA, Chicago) have specific rules. However, the general rule is to italicize the newspaper title and use quotation marks for the article title.
Example
McNeil Jr. D. Research: Aspirin may limit cancer for women who… The Washington Post date of newspaper.
Online News Sources
When citing online news sources, the principles remain the same. Italicize the name of the website or online publication, but use quotation marks for the article title.
Example (Online)
Smith, J. “Local School Board Approves New Curriculum.” Example News Website, 15 Jan. 2026, example.com/article.
Exceptions and Nuances
While the above guidelines are generally accepted, there might be slight variations depending on specific style guides or the preferences of the editor. Always consult the relevant style guide for specific instructions.
- Omission of Introductory Articles: For English-language newspapers, omit any introductory article (“The”). For example, cite “Palm Beach Post” instead of “The Palm Beach Post.” However, retain the article in non-English language newspapers (e.g., “Le Monde”).
- Anonymous Articles: If the article is signed “Anonymous,” use “Anonymous” where the author’s name would normally appear in the citation.
To avoid confusion, remember: Italicize the name of the newspaper or online publication, and use quotation marks for the title of the news article itself. Always double-check the specific requirements of the style guide you are using to ensure accuracy in your citations.
