This study investigates the complex role editorials - a newspapers institutional voice - play in highly-polarised political contexts. The study focuses on how the editorials of two Zimbabwean daily newspapers - The Herald, a perceived pro-government newspaper, and NewsDay, a perceived pro-opposition newspaper - speak to those in power. The study looks at these two newspapers editorials from 1 June to 31 December 2013, which covers the period prior to, during and after the 2013 national elections. The findings of this research somewhat contradict the common view in Zimbabwe that the privately-owned media blindly support the opposition while the state-owned media do the same to ZANU-PF. Although The Herald openly supported ZANU-PF prior to the election, it shifted after the election as it pushed the ruling party to fulfill pledges made on the campaign trail. NewsDay editorials reminded the newly formed government to mend the economy and provide basic services. While, the daily constantly censured Mugabe and ZANU-PF prior to the election, it also occasionally berated the MDC.

Mathew Nyaungwa received his MA in Journalism & Media Studies from Rhodes University, South Africa. His research interests include political communication, financial/economic journalism and new media.