How to Cite Newspapers and Magazines in MLA Format [2026 Guide]

Newspapers and magazines are important sources for current events, opinion pieces, and feature articles. This comprehensive guide covers how to cite both print and online newspaper and magazine articles using MLA 9th edition format.

Understanding Newspaper and Magazine Citations

In MLA format, newspapers and magazines function as containers for articles. The article title appears in quotation marks, while the publication name is italicized. Unlike scholarly journals, newspapers and magazines include full dates (day, month, year) rather than just the year.

MLA 9th edition treats print and online articles similarly, with the main difference being the inclusion of a URL or database information for digital sources. This unified approach reflects how we access news today—often through multiple platforms and formats.

Basic Format for Newspaper Articles

Basic Format for Magazine Articles

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Identify the Author

List the author in Last Name, First Name format. Many newspaper articles list the author in the byline. If no author is listed, begin with the article title.

Step 2: Format the Article Title

Place the article title in quotation marks using title case. Include subtitles after a colon.

Step 3: Include the Publication Name

Italicize the newspaper or magazine title. Omit introductory articles (The, A, An) except for publications like The New Yorker where it's part of the official title.

Step 4: Add the Date

Use day-month-year format, abbreviating months longer than four letters. For weekly or monthly magazines, include the full date shown on the cover.

Step 5: Include Page Numbers (Print Only)

For print articles, include page numbers. Use "p." for single pages and "pp." for ranges. If the article isn't continuous, include all page numbers (e.g., pp. A1, A7).

Step 6: Add URL (Online Articles)

For online articles, include the URL at the end. Omit "https://" and remove tracking parameters.

Newspaper Article Examples

Print Newspaper Article

Online Newspaper Article

Newspaper Article with No Author

Editorial or Opinion Piece

Letter to the Editor

Book Review

Magazine Article Examples

Print Magazine Article

Online Magazine Article

Weekly Magazine

Monthly Magazine

Special Issue

In-Text Citations

With Author

Without Author

With Page Number (Print)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using Only the Year

Always include the full date (day, month, year) for newspapers and magazines, not just the year.

2. Including "The" Inconsistently

Drop "The" from most newspaper titles: New York Times not The New York Times. Keep it for The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and similar publications.

3. Forgetting to Specify Article Type

Add "Editorial," "Letter," or "Review" after the page number when appropriate to clarify the article type.

4. Incorrect Date Format

Use day-month-year format (15 Jan. 2026), not American month-day-year format.

5. Including Section Letters Incorrectly

Include section letters with page numbers: p. A1, not p. 1, Section A.

6. Missing Discontinuous Page Numbers

For articles that jump pages, list all pages: pp. A1, A7-A8.

7. Not Abbreviating Months

Abbreviate months with more than four letters: Jan., Feb., Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov., Dec.

Finding Citation Information

• Author: Check the byline at the beginning of the article
• Date: Print: masthead or article header; Online: publication date near title
• Page numbers: Look at page headers in print; online articles typically don't have pages
• Publication name: Masthead, website header, or publication logo

Why Proper Citation Matters

Citing newspapers and magazines correctly demonstrates the timeliness of your research and allows readers to verify your sources. News articles provide important context for understanding current events, public opinion, and contemporary debates. Proper citation also respects journalistic work and helps combat misinformation by enabling source verification.

Differences Between Newspapers and Magazines

While citation format is similar, newspapers typically focus on daily news and have shorter articles, while magazines provide in-depth features and analysis. Newspapers use section letters (A, B, C) with page numbers, while magazines use simple page numbers. Both require full dates, but magazines may use only month and year for monthly publications.

Generate Perfect Citations

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need page numbers for online articles?

No, online articles don't use page numbers. Include the URL instead.

How do I cite a news wire article (AP, Reuters)?

List the wire service as the author: "Associated Press." or "Reuters."

What if I can't find the author?

Begin with the article title in quotation marks. Don't use "Anonymous."

Should I include the database name?

Only if there's no direct URL. Direct links to the publication's website are preferred.

Conclusion

Citing newspapers and magazines in MLA format requires attention to dates, page numbers, and publication details. By understanding the container concept and following the formatting guidelines for both print and online sources, you can create accurate citations that help readers locate your sources and evaluate the timeliness of your research. Whether citing breaking news, in-depth features, or opinion pieces, these guidelines ensure your citations meet academic standards.