How to Cite a Newspaper Article in Chicago Style
Newspaper articles are a common source in history, journalism, and the social sciences. This guide explains how to cite print and online newspaper articles in Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition), covering both the Notes-Bibliography system and the Author-Date system.
Newspaper Citations in Chicago Style
Chicago treats newspaper articles much like magazine articles. A citation should identify the author (if known), the article title, the name of the newspaper, the full date of publication, and — for online articles — a URL. Page numbers are usually omitted because the same article can appear on different pages across editions.
Newspapers published in cities that are not widely known may include the city in the newspaper name (for example, Albuquerque Journal). If the city is not part of the name, add it in parentheses: Star-Ledger (Newark, NJ).
Chicago Notes-Bibliography: Newspaper Articles
Basic Format
Footnote/Endnote (first reference):
First Name Last Name, "Article Title," Newspaper Name, Month Day, Year, URL.
Shortened note (subsequent references):
Last Name, "Shortened Title."
Bibliography entry:
Last Name, First Name. "Article Title." Newspaper Name, Month Day, Year. URL.
Example: Online Newspaper Article with Author
First note:
1. Somini Sengupta, "How a Heat Wave Tested the Power Grid," New York Times, July 20, 2023, https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/20/climate/heat-wave-power-grid.html.
Shortened note:
2. Sengupta, "Heat Wave."
Bibliography:
Sengupta, Somini. "How a Heat Wave Tested the Power Grid." New York Times, July 20, 2023. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/20/climate/heat-wave-power-grid.html.
Example: Print Newspaper Article
Note:
3. Eduardo Medina, "City Council Approves New Transit Plan," Chicago Tribune, March 4, 2024, sec. A.
Bibliography:
Medina, Eduardo. "City Council Approves New Transit Plan." Chicago Tribune, March 4, 2024.
Example: Newspaper Article with No Author
Note:
4. "Editorial: A Budget That Fails Students," Boston Globe, January 12, 2024, https://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/budget-students/.
You may also begin an unsigned article in a note with the newspaper name: "New York Times, July 20, 2023."
Bibliography:
"Editorial: A Budget That Fails Students." Boston Globe, January 12, 2024. https://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/budget-students/.
Chicago Author-Date: Newspaper Articles
Basic Format
In-text citation:
(Author Year)
Reference list entry:
Last Name, First Name. Year. "Article Title." Newspaper Name, Month Day. URL.
Example: Author-Date Newspaper Article
In-text citation:
(Sengupta 2023)
Reference list:
Sengupta, Somini. 2023. "How a Heat Wave Tested the Power Grid." New York Times, July 20. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/20/climate/heat-wave-power-grid.html.
Common Errors to Avoid
1. Adding Unnecessary Page Numbers
Because newspaper pagination varies by edition, Chicago generally omits page numbers. Use a section designation only when it genuinely helps readers locate the article.
2. Forgetting the City for Lesser-Known Papers
If the newspaper's title does not make its city obvious, add the city in parentheses after the name so readers can identify the source.
3. Treating a News Website Like a Newspaper
Online-only news outlets are cited as websites, not newspapers, unless they are the digital edition of a print newspaper. Check whether a print equivalent exists before choosing a format.
4. Using a Shortened or Tracking URL
Always cite the canonical article URL. Avoid bit.ly-style shortened links and links that contain session or campaign tracking parameters.
Generate Chicago Newspaper Citations Automatically
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Do newspaper articles need to appear in a Chicago bibliography?
- In the Notes-Bibliography system, newspaper articles are often cited only in footnotes or endnotes and may be omitted from the bibliography. However, if a newspaper is cited frequently or is central to your argument, include it in the bibliography. Always follow your instructor's or publisher's preference.
- Do I include the URL when citing an online newspaper article?
- Yes. For articles consulted online, include the URL or DOI at the end of the citation. Use a stable, permanent link rather than a shortened URL. An access date is optional unless no publication date is available.
- How do I cite a newspaper article with no author in Chicago style?
- When no author is listed, begin the citation with the article title. In a note, you may begin with the newspaper name instead. Do not use "Anonymous" unless the work is explicitly signed that way.
- Should I include the section or page number for a print newspaper?
- Chicago generally omits page numbers for newspaper articles because the same article may appear on different pages in different editions. You may include a section name (for example, "sec. A") if it helps locate the article.