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Research Guides

Newspapers and News Sources : Citing Newspapers

How to cite a newspaper article in MLA format

Follow these instructions to cite a newspaper article in MLA format (from the Purdue OWL):

Cite a newspaper article as you would a magazine article, but note the different pagination in a newspaper. If there is more than one edition available for that date (as in an early and late edition of a newspaper), identify the edition following the date (e.g., 17 May 1987, late ed.).

  • Brubaker, Bill. "New Health Center Targets County's Uninsured Patients." Washington Post 24 May 2007: LZ01. Print.
  • Krugman, Andrew. "Fear of Eating." New York Times 21 May 2007 late ed.: A1. Print.

If the newspaper is a less well-known or local publication, include the city name and state in brackets after the title of the newspaper.

  • Behre, Robert. "Presidential Hopefuls Get Final Crack at Core of S.C. Democrats." Post and Courier [Charleston, SC] 29 Apr. 2007: A11. Print.
  • Trembacki, Paul. "Brees Hopes to Win Heisman for Team." Purdue Exponent[West Lafayette, IN] 5 Dec. 2000: 20. Print.

Need instructions for citing a newspaper article in another format? Consult the Purdue OWL, a collection of research and citation resources from Purdue University.