How to Cite a Newspaper Article in MLA

• Hannah Berry (Ph.D.)
• Published on 05/31/2024

When referencing newspaper articles in your work, the MLA format provides specific guidelines to ensure consistency and clarity. This guide will detail how to cite newspaper articles in three different contexts: in print, from a website, and from a database.

CITING A NEWSPAPER ARTICLE IN PRINT

In this example, the author’s name is listed first, followed by the title of the article in quotation marks. The name of the newspaper is italicized. The date of publication is included, followed by the page number where the article can be found. If the article spans multiple pages, “p.” is followed by the page range or a plus sign if the article continues on non-consecutive pages.

DESCRIPTION OF ELEMENTS

• Author: The name of the author(s) who wrote the article. If there is no author, begin the citation with the article title.
• Title of Article: The title of the newspaper article enclosed in double quotation marks. If the article has a subtitle, include it after a colon.
• Name of Newspaper: The name of the newspaper where the article was published, italicized to indicate it is a title.
• Date of Publication: The date when the newspaper was published. Include the full date if available (day, month, year).
• Page Number: The page number(s) where the article appears. If the article spans multiple pages, indicate the page range.

CITING A NEWSPAPER ARTICLE FROM A WEBSITE

For articles accessed online, the citation begins similarly with the author’s name and the article title in quotation marks. The name of the newspaper is italicized, followed by the date of publication. Similar to citing a newspaper article in print, but with the addition of the URL, indicating the source was accessed online.

CITING A NEWSPAPER ARTICLE FROM A DATABASE

When citing an article accessed through a database, include the same information as for a print newspaper, with the addition of the database name in italics at the end. This helps identify the source of the digital copy of the article.

Check for Multiple Editions or Versions: When citing a newspaper article, particularly in print, be aware that newspapers sometimes have multiple editions throughout the day. Ensure you are citing the correct edition or version of the newspaper, especially if the article content varies between editions. Page Numbers: When listing sources in your Works Cited, always specify the page numbers if available. Use “p.” for a single page and “pp.” for multiple pages. Newspapers often use alphanumeric page numbers, such as “A5” or “B12”; ensure these letters are included in your citation. Use Stable URLs for Online Sources: If you are citing a newspaper article from an online source, it’s preferable to use stable URLs whenever possible. Stable URLs are permanent links that are less likely to change over time. Avoid citing temporary URLs or URLs that include session IDs, as they may become inaccessible or lead to broken links in the future. Verify the Accuracy of Information: Before including a newspaper article in your research or citing it in your work, take a moment to verify the accuracy of the information presented. Cross-reference the information with other reliable sources to ensure the article is credible and trustworthy. This step is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your research and avoiding the propagation of misinformation.