º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ Glossary
As a member of the , a global consortium of news companies committed to transparency standards that help audiencesÌýmore easily assess the quality and credibility of digital journalism, the Star is committed to helping its audiences on all platforms more easily distinguish news from opinion, and news and editorial information from advertising and other forms of paid content.
This glossary provides definitions for the various types of news and opinion content and, following that, for the various forms of paid content published online and in the newspaper.
NEWS/OPINION
Drawing a clear line between news and opinion has long been one of the Toronto Star's core values. Broadly defined, news is based on the impartial reporting of facts while opinion is based on personal interpretation and the judgement of facts.
NEWS
º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ content is verified information based on the impartial reporting of facts, either observed by the reporter or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½Ìý reports do not include the opinion of the author.
NEWS TERMS
Analysis:ÌýA critical or contextual examination of an important and topical issue based on factual reporting. It provides an explanation of the impact or meaning of news events and draws on the authority and expertise of the writer. Analysis articles do not contain the author’s opinions.
Investigation: In-depth reporting in the public interest that reveals wrongdoing and/or systemic problems that holds those in power accountable and promotes positive change.
Explainer: Journalism that provides readers with the background knowledge they need to help them understand the how and why of events or issues.
Fact Check: A form of accountability journalism where reporters test the veracity of statements and/or assertions using a variety of credible, authoritative sources to root out disinformation.
OPINION
Opinion articles are based on personal interpretation and judgment of facts. Opinion journalists have wide latitude to express their own views, subject to standards of taste and laws of libel including views directly contrary to the editorial views of the Star.
OPINION TERMS
Editorial:ÌýAn article that presents a point of view reflecting the news organization's position on an issue of public interest. Editorials are not meant to be a neutral presentation of the facts. They are written by journalists who are expressing the view of the news organization. As an editorial serves to present the company’s voice, there is no individual byline.
Opinion:ÌýArticles based on the author’s interpretations and judgments of facts, data and events. Opinion articles include columns written by staff and commentary from non-staff contributors. Opinion journalists have wide latitude to express their own views including views directly contrary to the news organization's editorial views, as long as they fall within the boundaries of taste and laws of libel. Ìý
Advice: An advice article reflects the opinion of the author who provides guidance or direction on a topic based on their expertise as well as their personal interpretations and judgments of facts.
Blog: An online journal updated regularly by a journalist or editorial department that supplements news coverage. Blogs are usually informal or conversational in style and may reflect a writer’s opinions, subject to the rights and responsibilities of fair comment.
First Person: Narratives exploring an author’s insights, observations or thoughts based on that individual’s personal experience and opinions.
Readers’ letters:ÌýA selection of letters written to the Star by readers expressing a point of view, usually concerning a recently published article or current event.
Review: A critical assessment of the merits of a subject, such as art, film, music, television, food and literature. Reviews are based on the writer’s informed/expert opinion.
