Newspapers' production of common sense: the 'greenie madness' or why should we read editorials?

This article examines editorial discourse and newspapers' production of 'common sense' in relation to issues of public concern. Using a case study of editorials published on genetic engineering in New Zealand, the article discusses how discursive characteristics of one journalistic practice (reporting facts in the 'news') influence another journalistic practice (expressing opinion in the 'editorial'). Focusing on the newspaper genre that communicates 'views', the article investigates the manner in which editorials achieve their persuasive goals, and examines how particular components of journalistic discourse, such as headlines, topics and the editorial structure, contribute to public discussion about important issues in society. Copyright © 2007 SAGE Publications.