ControversialJournalEditorials

Over the years we have received numerous queries from readers and reporters about controversial editorials. Many of these inquiries suggest considerable confusion about the purpose of Journal editorials and Sounding Board articles (opinion pieces written by people not on the editorial staff). The confusion centers on two questions: Whose opinions do editorials represent? And why don't we regularly seek “balance” on controversial issues? In this editorial, we address these questions. A quick look at other journals shows why it is so easy to become confused about the first question. Consider, for example, the five largest general medical journals: the New . . .