byline

A byline is a short line in a newspaper, magazine, or online article that names the author or authors of the piece. It typically appears near the headline or at the top of the article, and may include the writer’s position, affiliation, or a link to a biography. Bylines serve to attribute responsibility for the content and provide readers with a point of reference for credibility and context.

Origin and usage: The term derives from the use of the word by to indicate authorship, combined with line as a page element that lists the author. Bylines have long been a standard feature of print journalism and have been carried over into digital publishing, where they may also include author bios, links, and sometimes social media handles.

Variations and conventions: Bylines can name a single author, multiple authors, or staff writers (for example, By Jane Doe or By Jane Doe and John Smith). Some outlets use generic or collective attributions such as By Staff or By the News Desk. In some cases, especially in news agencies, bylines may be abbreviated or omitted, with an accompanying credit line or metadata instead. For photographs and other visual content, a credit line such as Photo by or Credit may accompany the image rather than a traditional byline.

Function and impact: The byline provides accountability, helps readers assess expertise and potential bias, and enables proper attribution for professional or ethical reasons. It can influence the perceived authority of the piece and assist with citations or further reading. In many publications, bylines are updated after corrections or post-publication notes to reflect changes in authorship.