Chapter 12

1. Chapter 12 Writing Editorials & the Editorial page

2. EDITORIALS: Definition and location • Editorials are stories that respond to an issue • Usually an editorial page or same section every day • Publications’ chance to respond/comment on events, “the voice of the newspaper” • What are some types of editorials??

3. Purposes Of editorials • Explain: if a new policy is set forth, these stories inform and clarify for readers. Newspaper should already have a news story outlining all the facts and editorials should critique it (spring referendum) • Persuade: the student body to take action in some way. If students have abused having lunch outside by leaving a mess, reporters could write an editorial to administration to give a second chance. • Warn: warn students that if they do not do something, then privileges could get taken away.

4. Content for editorials (cont.) • Briefly comment: short editorials on a number of issues, aka minitorials • Regularly comment: regular commentary written by one person with an interesting view (column). • Criticize: constructively criticize school policies. *review • Praise: people like to read praise of themselves and others they know. *review • Entertain: computer foul up when issuing grades, make light of it. *review

5. Writing the editorial (opinion editorial or OP ED, Letter to the editor, he said/She said, Staff OR LEAD editorial, satire) • **Must RESEARCH first…you cannot just act like an expert on a subject, you must become one. • Structure: • 1. Introduction • a. background b. brief history leading to an action c. capture readers’ attention • 2. Reaction • a. the position of the editorial and your publication b. set up your opinion for the reader

6. Writing the editorial (opinion editorial) • 3. Details • a. support for the position you are taking b. usually three to four reasons that support position • 4. Conclusion • a. instead of abruptly ending the editorial, come up with possible solutions, or action readers can take

7. The editorial page/Opinion section • Contents: • - staff /lead editorials (written by editorial (all editors) board)- columns (regular story written by the same writer)- political cartoons- letters to the editor- op eds (opinion editorial)- man on the street (hallway talk) • - satire • -point/counterpoint (he said/she said) • -reviews • -Where located in the Courier, The Dispatch, other newsmagazines?

8. Letters to the editor • The editorial page should always contain a place where readers can react to what’s in the publication or in the world, community. • Letters must be responsible, based on fact, and signed by the writer. • If letter is libelous or in bad taste, a publication can choose to not run it. • Editorial page also contains the staff or lead editorial. Story written by all the editors that represents the stance on a subject. Written in third person, doesn’t have a byline

9. Reviews: Definition and location • A story that summarizes a piece of entertainment and critiques it. • STRUCTURE: • 1. summary, observation 2. commentary 3. rating system

10. Professional reviews • Accurately describe what they hear and/or see as well as express their impressions and reactions • Critic needs a broad/deep experience so they can make valid comparisons and use specialized vocabulary. Ex: Movie • RATINGS SYSTEM • Create your own rating system (stars 1-5, grade movies, or music notes for CD’s)

11. Types of reviews • Restaurants – different types of ethnic food in the area • CDs, music, video – review more than one and keep them short, to the point and clearly rated • Movies – do a review on several Tom Hanks’ movies • Television – review several new television shows • The Internet, computer games – compare several • Local concerts – more than one

12. things not to use in reviews • The reason we have both vanilla and chocolate ice cream is taste. One person likes vanilla, another prefers chocolate. Tastes differ. Therefore, never use the following words in a review:Taste, Yummy, Delicious • Finest or Best (only if you have been to, or visited, every pizza parlor in the world, if writing about pizza. ) • Irresistible, Fabulous, Heavenly (unless you have been there for a point of reference). • Scrumptious, Delectable, Awful good, Luscious, Smell (food has aroma, both good and bad; stench if something is really rotten or beyond edible). • Incredible, To die for.

13. things to include in reviews • Cost • Presentation • Temperature • Packaging • Aroma • Taste • Texture • Atmosphere • Service

14. COLUMNS: Definition and location • One of the vertical sections on a newspaper page, same placement in every issue. • An opinion story that appears regularly in a publication with a recognizable personality. • Generally set apart by headline such as “For what it’s worth” that runs over the headline and mug shot of writer. • Types: advice, food, nutrition, sports, financial, personal viewpoint • 450-650 words.

15. The columnist’s voice • Readers expect two things from columns: • 1. They’re familiar with columnist’s voice. They know what to expect. With political column, know which way writer slants. With humor column, expect to laugh. • 2. Expect favorite columnists to surprise them. Present a view or insight on an issue. Or “tune in” to issue to truly make it their own. • COLUMNS: A VEHICLE FOR SELF-EXPRESSION • A column is considered a prize for writers • Freedom to choose your own topic and to inject more of personality/opinion into work.

16. Column How-to • Here are some ways to come up with column ideas: • Observation: Look, and you’ll find inspiration all around you –how students deal with lockers, wearing socks with sandals, behavior in elevators, stairs vs escalators • Listening: Listen in the hallways and in the classrooms – what are common interests, complaints. • Incidents: Slipping and falling on your way to your table in the cafeteria, an act of kindness, dating someone new, seeing someone you think you know and then it’s not them.

17. Column How-to (continued) • Talking with others: Forgetting people’s names and how to talk with them not knowing their name, • Seeking new experiences: Make a point of doing three acts of kindness and report on the response. • News: Issues in newspapers, etc. Take an idea, bring it home to your readers from a student’s viewpoint.

18. Style considerations • Most columnists write as if they’re regular people and are not afraid to show insecurities, embarrassments, or shortcomings. • Adopt a persona and use it all the time (Dear Abby). • Can make serious convictions.