Magazines, newspapers, and journals

What's the difference between a magazine, newspaper, and journal?

Magazines and newspapers

General interest periodicals appeal to a wide audience, and can cover any possible topic within each issue. Coverage of topics is usually introductory, newsworthy, or of a popular nature. But magazines and newspapers each can offer in-depth feature articles which are substantial and fairly well documented.

General interest magazines and newspapers
	Magazine	Newspaper
Content	Summary information from research; current scandals; popular culture. Short articles-- 1 or 2 pages	Daily events; speeches; local stories. Some articles as brief as one paragraph
Diction	Generally easy to read; jargon is limited	For general audience; jargon terms are usually defined
Authors	Hired writers, journalists	Investigative reporters, journalists
Documentation	Often no citations	Sources mentioned; full citations unusual
Publishers	Commercial, corporate	Commercial
Graphics	Lots of photos, color; loaded with advertising	Some photos and graphics
Examples	Redbook, Time, Rolling Stone	Oregonian, New York Times, Wall Street Journal

Journals

Journals offer far more specific information than magazines and newspapers, usually. They are focused on one subject area; the articles are written by professionals or researchers in that field. There are different types of journals, ranging from opinion oriented, to industry based, to research oriented.

Types of journals
	Scholarly journal	Industry, professional journal	Commentary, opinion journal
Content	Primary sources: research reports, statistical studies; literature reviews; in-depth, long articles, more than 5 pages	Professional development; product reviews; controversies within field or specialty. Some in-depth, longer articles.	Speeches; editorials; political analysis; book reviews; some articles long
Diction	Specialized, academic, scientific terms. Can be difficult to read	Jargon	Educated audience; strong bias may be clear
Authors	Experts, researchers, specialists	Professionals in the field	Essayists, professional writers, pundits, supporters
Documentation	Long lists of sources, with complete documentation	Some key sources may be mentioned	Varies; some citations possible
Publishers	Professional associations, research organizations, universities	Industry and professional organizations; corporations, commercial publishers	Non-profit organizations, political and religious organizations, commercial publishers
Graphics	Relevant graphics and photos only. Few ads	Industry related ads. Some glossy graphics	Varies
Examples	Lancet, Science, American Sociological Review	Woodworker, Personnel, Veterinary Technician	Commentary, Nation, Progressive, National Review