Magazine and newspaper articles often provide analyses of issues, events, or problems. Because most articles are written for a specific publication, writers typically have a clear picture of their readers (in terms of age, income, education, hobbies, and so forth) and can target their analysis to the needs and interests of a narrowly defined group. An article about an election, for example, might analyze turnout among younger voters, analyze the campaign of a recently elected senator from the Midwest, or analyze the impact of organizations such as the Teamsters or the National Rifle Association.

Analytical articles rely heavily on information obtained by the author from sources such as books, Web sites, government reports, interviews, surveys, and observation. Writers often use illustrations to highlight key points in their analysis, to present information or data, or to explain complicated concepts; most also draw on quotations from interviews to present or expand on important points.