- Written by a member of the publication's staff, typically the editor or a senior editor.
- Presents the publication's official position on a news story or issue.
- Typically appears on the editorial page, which is separate from the news section.
- May be based on reporting by the publication's own journalists or on outside sources.
- Tends to be more opinionated than a news article, and may express strong opinions on the subject.
Commentary
- Written by an outside contributor, such as a columnist, blogger, or expert in a particular field.
- Expresses the author's personal opinions on a news story or issue.
- May be published on the editorial page, the news section, or a separate opinion section.
- May or may not be based on reporting by the publication's own journalists.
- Tends to be more subjective than an editorial, and may include personal anecdotes and observations.
In general, editorials represent the official position of the publication, while commentaries represent the personal opinions of individual authors.