The Economist’s Uniqueness: Why Bylines Are Absent

Have you ever wondered why you never find bylines in The Economist? This article explores the reasons behind this distinctive editorial choice and compares it with the practice of bylines in other periodicals and online media.

Explanation of The Economist’s Absence of Bylines

The Economist does not typically print bylines for several reasons, reflecting its editorial philosophy and branding strategy. First and foremost, The Economist emphasizes a collective editorial voice rather than individual authorship. This approach aligns with its brand identity, where the focus is on the ideas and analysis presented rather than the personalities of specific writers (Collective Voice).

Moreover, articles often result from collaborative efforts among several editors and writers. By not attributing articles to individuals, The Economist highlights the teamwork involved in producing content and emphasizes a shared sense of editorial responsibility (Team Collaboration)

Another reason is the absence of bylines can lend a sense of authority and consistency to the publication. Readers might focus more on the content and the magazine’s reputation rather than the credentials of individual authors (Consistency and Authority). This stylistic choice reflects the magazine’s editorial philosophy and branding strategy.

The last point is the Timelessness aspect. The lack of bylines can create a timeless quality to the articles, allowing them to be perceived as part of an ongoing conversation rather than tied to specific authors.

Different Perspectives on Bylines

Tom Standages provided an incomparable answer regarding why “The Economist” does not print the names of its authors. However, I would like to air my views as a point of contrast. The main reason for anonymity is a belief that what is written is more important than who writes it. As Geoffrey Crowther, the editor from 1938 to 1956, stated, anonymity keeps the editor focused on the content rather than the individual.

This strong normative influence is vital. I can imagine a strong contrary opinion behaving like a judge and either recusing himself or writing a minority opinion. However, I believe that The Economist’s reporters are professional and likely to have benefited from an education including debating issues from opposite points of view. If only more journalists could be the same!

Bylines in Other Publications

Considering the practice of bylines in other periodicals and online media, it is evident that bylines serve different purposes. One of my favorite subscriptions is to American Scientist, which has longstanding columnists who write with authority. A favorite is Henry Petroski whose articles are always insightful and informative. When you see his byline, you know exactly what to expect.

Other articles in American Scientist are written by acknowledged authorities in their fields, and these articles are well written and informative. I expect they are members of Sigma Xi The Scientific Research Honor Society, which is a strong filter for credibility. Sadly, other periodicals are often mercenary and will publish almost anything submitted to them, hiding behind a disclaimer: “The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position…” This makes them a platform for extreme and unpopular views. At least the bylines seem to be honest, and you can track the authors as they troll their way around the internet and build up a list of less authoritative sites to avoid.

From what I have seen, these writers often adopt a collegiate editorial style to give the impression that the article represents the view of the publication. However, this can be misleading, given that their personal views may not align with the publication’s official stance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the absence of bylines in The Economist is deeply rooted in its editorial philosophy and branding strategy. It emphasizes collective authorship and the importance of the content over the author. Other publications, like American Scientist, use bylines to provide credibility and authority. The choice of whether to have bylines or not depends on the publication's goals and the specific style of journalism it aims to maintain.

While bylines can be useful for providing readers with clear authorship and authority, the practice at The Economist serves a different purpose. Its Collective Voice, Team Collaboration, Consistency and Authority, and Timelessness are what make The Economist unique and cherished by many readers.