Rédactionnels

Rédactionnels are pieces of writing created within a news organization that present opinion, analysis, or commentary rather than impartial reporting. They are typically produced by journalists, editorial staff or guest contributors and are found in newspapers, magazines, online platforms and broadcast media. The term derives from the French word *rédaction*, meaning “writing desk” or “editors’ office,” with the suffix –nel indicating a particular form of content.

In practice, a rédactionnel offers a perspective on political, cultural or social issues and reflects the editorial stance of the publication. The distinction from news reporting lies in the acceptance of subjectivity and argumentative structure, while factual accuracy remains important. Newspapers such as *Le Monde* and *Le Figaro* traditionally include a dedicated section of rédactionnels, each article highlighted with the author’s name and the publication’s editorial positioning.

The historical role of rédactionnels can be traced to the early 20th‑century press, where they evolved from reflective summaries of daily events to focused commentary on larger trends. In the digital age, they have taken on the form of online op‑eds, blog posts or video essays, providing a platform for journalists to discuss research, policy debates, or cultural phenomena. Modern editorial guidelines encourage transparency about authorship and clear labeling of opinion pieces to preserve reader trust, even as the editorial voice remains inherently non‑neutral.