Writing editorials and Opinion columns.

1. Writing editorials and Opinion columns. Ben Land

2. Types of Editorials • Staff editorials and unsigned editorials are the most traditional. • Reasons for writing editorials? • Editorials can be written to interpret the significance of an event. • To criticize something • To commend someone or some group for an achievement • and to advocate change and persuade readers that the paper’s viewpoint is worthwhile.

3. Cont’d • Editorials that criticize someone or something or identify a problem, will also propose solutions. • With the power of writing an editorial you need to show responsibility.

4. Editorials connection • Often times Editorials that interpret, explain, persuade, and advocate change will usually be tied to a topic that was found within the same issue of the paper. • Why? • It defines terms and issues • Identifies people and factors • Provides background such as historical, cultural, geographical, and pre-existing conditions • It is also the writers attempt to persuade the reader to a certain side.

5. Cont’d • When you write a Opinionated piece the whole idea is to get your readers to agree with your idea. • Advocacy editorials – editorials that interpret, explain and persuade.

6. Advocacy Editorials • Advocacy Editorials must be reasonable to be effective. Overstating a point, preaching or scolding can turn readers away. • You want to put the point on the reader without overwhelming them with your opinion

7. Problem – Solution Editorial • Another type of Editorial commonly found in newspapers is Problem-Solution editorials • Also referred to as “editorial of criticism” this type of editorial is used when the staff wants to call attention to a problem or wishes to criticize someone's actions. • Follow these steps when writing a Problem-Solution editorial • 1. statement of the problem • 2. presentation of evidence (backing up the issue) • 3. conclusion with potential solutions.

8. How to criticize someone • Criticism should be handled very carefully. • Its fair to criticize a person’s actions if they have some impact on others • It is unfair to criticize a persons physical or purely private actions. • Readers will discount allegations that aren’t substantiated with proof or evidnce. • NO – name calling, offensive language, lying

9. Commendation Editorial • A Commendation Editorial praise or pay tribute to someone or an organization that has preformed very successfully. • Possible topics: • Retirement of a teacher • State sports championship • The death of a student • Academically excelling student.

10. Brief Editorial Comments • 1 or 2 paragraph editorials can be very effective. • When writing a shorter editorial you should only be making one point and show little background information and little evidence.

11. Editorial Short • An Editorial short or quip is very short, some are just a few words and others a 2-3 sentences. • Many times the editorial shorts are grouped together under a standing column. • Editorial shorts are just like leaving comments on a article/video. • Some papers label their shorts as either thumbs up or thumbs down, or cheers and jeers.

12. Editorial Cartoon • An editorial cartoon is usually a strip rather than a single panel, the cartoonist can do whatever the editorial writer does – commend, criticize, interpret, persuade and entertain. • Cartoons can stand alone or be connected with an editorial. • The cartoon should be carefully drawn so the reader can quickly grasp the intended message.

14. Writing the editorial • When writing an editorial it is important to do research. Data should be gathered, and opinions should be found and considered. • An internet search and in-person or phone contact to gather information and opinions are both highly recommended. • Editorials are divided into 3 parts 1. the introduction 2. The body or evidence 3. The conclusion

15. Compare and Contrast Editorial vs. Opinion • Major similarity – they are both opinion or subjective pieces. • Differences – opinions are signed and are the direct opinions of one person • Opinion columns are less formal than most editorials. • Columnist have more freedom to express their ideas in a opinion article.