How to Cite Newspapers & Magazines in Chicago Style
Learn how to properly cite newspaper and magazine articles using both Chicago citation systems.
Newspaper & Magazine Citation Overview
Newspapers and magazines are important sources for historical research, providing contemporary perspectives on events. Chicago style provides specific guidelines for citing these periodical sources, with different formats for print and online versions.
Citation Elements
- • Author name (if available)
- • Article title (in quotation marks)
- • Newspaper/magazine name (italicized)
- • Publication date
- • Section and page numbers (if applicable)
- • URL (for online articles)
Print Newspaper Articles
Notes-Bibliography System
Footnote/Endnote:
1. Sarah Johnson, "Economic Recovery Shows Promise," New York Times, November 15, 2023, sec. A, 1.
Bibliography entry:
Johnson, Sarah. "Economic Recovery Shows Promise." New York Times, November 15, 2023, sec. A, 1.
Author-Date System
In-text citation:
(Johnson 2023)
Reference list entry:
Johnson, Sarah. 2023. "Economic Recovery Shows Promise." New York Times, November 15, 2023, sec. A, 1.
Online Newspaper Articles
Notes-Bibliography footnote:
1. David Miller, "Climate Policy Debates Heat Up," Washington Post, November 12, 2023, https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-policy-debates.
Notes-Bibliography bibliography:
Miller, David. "Climate Policy Debates Heat Up." Washington Post, November 12, 2023. https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-policy-debates.
Author-Date reference list:
Miller, David. 2023. "Climate Policy Debates Heat Up." Washington Post, November 12, 2023. https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-policy-debates.
Magazine Articles
Print Magazine
Notes-Bibliography footnote:
1. Susan Chen, "The Future of Democratic Institutions," Atlantic Monthly, December 2023, 45-52.
Notes-Bibliography bibliography:
Chen, Susan. "The Future of Democratic Institutions." Atlantic Monthly, December 2023, 45-52.
Author-Date reference list:
Chen, Susan. 2023. "The Future of Democratic Institutions." Atlantic Monthly, December 2023, 45-52.
Online Magazine
Notes-Bibliography footnote:
1. Robert Taylor, "Technology and Political Participation," Harper's Magazine, November 2023, https://harpers.org/technology-participation.
Author-Date reference list:
Taylor, Robert. 2023. "Technology and Political Participation." Harper's Magazine, November 2023. https://harpers.org/technology-participation.
Editorials and Opinion Pieces
Editorial
Notes-Bibliography footnote:
1. "Strengthening Democracy Through Education," editorial, Boston Globe, November 20, 2023, A12.
Notes-Bibliography bibliography:
"Strengthening Democracy Through Education." Editorial. Boston Globe, November 20, 2023, A12.
Opinion Piece
Notes-Bibliography footnote:
1. Jennifer Adams, "Why Civic Education Matters," opinion, USA Today, November 18, 2023, https://www.usatoday.com/civic-education-opinion.
Author-Date reference list:
Adams, Jennifer. 2023. "Why Civic Education Matters." Opinion. USA Today, November 18, 2023. https://www.usatoday.com/civic-education-opinion.
Letters to the Editor
Notes-Bibliography footnote:
1. Michael Brown, letter to the editor, Chicago Tribune, November 22, 2023, https://www.chicagotribune.com/letters/democracy-letter.
Notes-Bibliography bibliography:
Brown, Michael. Letter to the editor. Chicago Tribune, November 22, 2023. https://www.chicagotribune.com/letters/democracy-letter.
Articles Without Authors
Notes-Bibliography footnote:
1. "Local Elections See Record Turnout," Detroit Free Press, November 8, 2023, B1.
Notes-Bibliography bibliography:
"Local Elections See Record Turnout." Detroit Free Press, November 8, 2023, B1.
Author-Date in-text:
("Local Elections" 2023)
Wire Service Articles
Notes-Bibliography footnote:
1. Associated Press, "International Summit Concludes with Agreement," Los Angeles Times, November 25, 2023, https://latimes.com/international-summit.
Author-Date reference list:
Associated Press. 2023. "International Summit Concludes with Agreement." Los Angeles Times, November 25, 2023. https://latimes.com/international-summit.
Historical Newspapers
For historical newspaper articles accessed through databases:
Notes-Bibliography footnote:
1. "Wilson Addresses Congress on War Declaration," New York Times, April 3, 1917, 1, ProQuest Historical Newspapers.
Author-Date reference list:
"Wilson Addresses Congress on War Declaration." 1917. New York Times, April 3, 1917, 1. ProQuest Historical Newspapers.
Common Newspaper & Magazine Citation Mistakes
- • Wrong italics: Newspaper/magazine names are italicized, article titles use quotation marks
- • Missing section information: Include section letters/numbers for print newspapers
- • Incorrect date format: Use full date format (Month Day, Year)
- • Missing page numbers: Include page numbers for print articles when available
- • Wrong URL format: Use clean, direct URLs when possible
- • Missing descriptors: Include "editorial," "opinion," or "letter to the editor" when applicable
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