should opinion columnists be allowed to express any personal opinions without any control by newspaper editors

Question

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Answer 1

Every newspaper article has some personal opinion in it--some are better hidden than others.

Answer 2

Most well-known columnists (those syndicated in major newspaper syndicates, or those hired by a major publication), are free to write their own opinions (according to their contract, on the subjects in general). But ALL newspapers and editors have the right not to publish any column that doesn't fit their guidelines. Most editors may, depending on the contract, edit the column if they see it appropriate to do so. Usually, it is edited either for legal reasons, or what the publisher and editor regard as issues of "fairness", "journalistic integrity" or improper language,...or even for space. So--No. columnists can't express opinions without ANY control whatsoever.

Answer 3

No.
One problem is that when columnists share opinions without editors keeping an eye on things is that the newspaper has to protect itself from litigious readers who may take heed to act on short sighted views and end up in court over their actions ending up suing the paper. Also some opinions may inflame already tenuous issues leading to riots, and hate crimes. Lastly most newspapers have an agenda of their own and have a target audience and do not want free wheeling opinions to cost them readers and as such profits, after all their in it for the money above all else.

Answer 4

Opinion columnists generally have free reign so long as they don't commit libel. Other than that, editors are looking to see that the columns are well written and well argued.