Influencing Public Policy: An Analysis of Published Op‐Eds by Academics

Abstract

Academics who seek to influence public policy often overlook one of the most valuable tools of influence: op‐ed essays in important daily newspapers. Op‐eds enable academics to bring their perspective and expertise beyond the usual reach of academic circles and into the public sphere. Through an analysis of 366 articles in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Star‐Ledger of Newark in 2006, this article examines how academics can more successfully enter the op‐ed pages. We analyze 15 characteristics of a successful op‐ed, providing background information on the people and institutions most often published and ten recommendations to guide academics toward a better position from which to influence policy debates. We argue that timeliness, agreement with the editorial page, readability, and an understanding of the target newspaper are essential to op‐ed publication and an expansion of academics’ influence over public policy.

The Long-lasting Effects of Newspaper Op-Eds on Public Opinion

“…Present-day newspaper op-eds are very similar in form to those envisioned in the 1970s: expert elites publish policy opinions intended to provoke debate among the general public (Sommer and Maycroft, 2008). However, today it is acknowledged that op-ed pages of major papers set the agenda not only for the general public but also for the fellow elites 2 (Alexander, 2004;Golan, 2013;Nico Calavita, 2003;Rosenfeld, 2000;Sommer and Maycroft, 2008). For…”

“…Indeed, many view the op-ed pages today as a mechanism that continues to shape public opinion (Porpora and Nikolaev, 2008). In the more than 40 years since, the op-ed format has grown widely, with nearly every major print and online newspaper publishing two to three op-eds per day (Sommer and Maycroft, 2008).…”

“…instance, Sommer and Maycroft (2008) claim that during legislative debate, lawmakers routinely circulate op-eds in efforts to persuade colleagues to their point of view.…”

Teacher, Researcher and … Policy Actor? Social Work Academics’ Involvement in Social Policy

“…). Lastly, they also included more proactive efforts – the use of the media (Sommer and Maycroft ; Orr ), testifying before policy committees (Chandler ), and collaboration with advocacy organizations and service users as advisers or participants in social action (Kaufman ; Strier ).…”

The Critical Moral Voice on American Newspaper Opinion Pages

“…Thus, if opinion pieces are not the only domain constituting the American public sphere, they do represent that important part of the public sphere constituted by America's print media. As Sommer and Maycroft () argue, opinion pieces function as powerful agenda setters, shaping not only what policy makers think but also what they think about. This ability to guide public debate imbues opinion pieces with special power.…”