editorialization

Editorialization is the inclusion of subjective judgments or value judgments in the presentation of information, commentary, or analysis. It occurs when an author frames facts, emphasizes certain aspects, or draws conclusions that reflect a particular stance, rather than reporting information neutrally.

In journalism, strict separation is often drawn between news reporting and opinion content. News reporting aims to describe events and facts; editorial content—such as editorials, columns, and op-eds—explicitly expresses viewpoints. However, editorialization can appear in news coverage through framing, sourcing choices, or language that implies a conclusion.

Editorialization also appears in data presentation, research, and digital media, where wording, graphs, or selections of data can steer interpretation. In political discourse, social media, and marketing, editorialization may be used to persuade audiences.

Effects include shaping public opinion, reinforcing biases, or eroding trust if audiences perceive bias as hidden. Transparency about methods, labeling of opinion as such, and adherence to editorial standards are commonly recommended to mitigate unwanted editorialization.

Scholarly and professional ethics stress the need to separate fact from opinion and to disclose conflicts of interest. When editorial judgments are explicit, they should be clearly identified as interpretation rather than fact.