Final answer:
The correct term is 'defamation', which refers to false statements that harm one's reputation and requires 'actual malice' for public officials to claim damages.
Step-by-step explanation:
The editorial described in the question is accused of being unfair and biased against city officials, and the correct term to use for this sort of prejudiced communication is defamation. Defamation involves the act of making false statements about someone that could harm their reputation. It requires, especially in the case of public officials, not just that the statements are untrue, but that they are made with “actual malice” - either with knowledge of their falsehood or with reckless disregard for the truth. This standard was established in the landmark Supreme Court case New York Times v. Sullivan, which aimed to protect freedom of speech and prevent public figures from using defamation lawsuits to silence criticism.