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

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.