An editorial is content in a media publication expressing the opinion of its editors or publishers. Editorials are traditionally found in newspapers and magazines, but can be presented in other media like radio, television and websites.
The editorial section of news publications are clearly distinguished from the "hard news" sections to avoid opinion being represented as news, and vice-versa. This section can include direct editorials from the publisher, as well as essays from columnists hired by the publication to represent a particular viewpoint on a variety of issues.
Brief opinions submitted by the readership for publication are usually published under a Letters to the Editor heading, while longer essay-length pieces are often published under an Opinion-Editorial, or Op-Ed heading. In both cases these submissions are usually accompanied by a disclaimer stating that they do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher.