Editorials

1. Editorials

2. What is an editorial? • Official editorials are articles/pieces that express opinions on a topic, strictly the official opinion of the publication, editor or editors. • An official editorial does NOT have a byline • Sometimes the editorial “we” is used • Individual editorials refer to individuals that newspapers allow to express personal opinions in various types of articles. • These articles are always bylined • Often use “I” • Reader assumes opinion is of the writer only • Pictures can sometimes be included (typically if the writer is famous)

3. Functions of editorials • To persuade • To explain • To praise • To entertain

4. Functions: to persuade • Intended to convince readers to subscribe to a way of thinking • Cover BOTH sides • Usually concentrates on something needing change • Includes a call to action

5. Functions: to explain • Intended to interpret meaning of significance of event • Topics typically arise from complicated situations crated by a change affecting the reader

6. Functions: to praise • To honor or commend or congratulate an individual, organization, institution or group. • Outline the reason for praise and significant events leading up to it.

7. Functions: to entertain • Poke fun at a topic • No heavy criticism or serious tone • Lighthearted • Satire: use humor and avoid sarcasm

8. Types of Editorials • Letters to the Editor • Point/counterpoint articles • Random opinion polls • Editorial cartoons • Column • Review

9. Letters to the editor • Short letter from reader to express opinion in responses to an article • Usually signed by the writer • Can be edited for clarity

10. Point/counterpoint article • Opposing views side by side on controversial topic • Writers may/may not be on newspaper staff • Must be bylined • Lead in to explain who writers are and why chosen to share views • Example: http://www.ajc.com/news/news/opinion/pro-con-will-health-overhaul-provide-better-care-f/nQjqp/

11. Random opinion poll • Poses a question on editorial topic to small group (4-5 people) • Each person’s opinion is printed next to a photo • Obtain a range of opinions and offer balance (gender, age, race, etc.)

12. Editorial cartoon • Uses a picture to express opinion instead of words • May illustrate an editorial article or stand alone • Expresses the opinion of the paper, but it’s signed by the artist

13. Column • Reflects opinion of individual writer • Bylined • May be continuous and appear regularly • May have photo of writer • Informative or entertaining • Need excellent, innovative writers and strong title • Some visual treatment • Can focus on: news briefs, school, entertainment, humor

14. Reviews • Share opinion on worth of a product, performance, service, or restaurant • Should offer more than thumbs up or thumbs down. Make reviews truly analyze the product/performance • Reviewer needs wide-ranging experiences • Should be brief but thorough, including rating • Should help reader decide • Be objective, evaluate some aspect(s) • Example: http://www.accessatlanta.com/s/atlanta-restaurants-food/

15. The editorial page • The editorial page of any newspaper is the VOICE of the editorial staff and the readers. • It expresses the opinion of whatever the management of the publication feels in relation to the present occasion.

16. What makes up an editorial page? • Masthead • Editorial cartoons • Official cartoons • Letter to the editors • Contact information

17. Masthead Official editorial (non-bylined) Editorial board and contact info

18. Structure of an editorial: 3 parts • Introduction (or opening) • The 1st paragraph • State your opinion or opinion statement (like the thesis statement) • Give brief background if necessary • Body • All details supporting the opinion go here (often built around the arguments that address the counterpoint) • 2nd paragraph- explain your position • 3rd paragraph- explain opposing position • 4th paragraph- refute opposing position • Conclusion • Leave reader with something to think about • Give a call to action or points to a possible resolution to the conflict at hand

19. “The Brothers Grim” • From the headline alone, what would you say is the topic of the editorial? • With what statement(s) of fact does this editorial open? • Are the first two statements pure fact, or do they also reflect some opinions of the writer? Explain which parts of each of the first 2 sentences are based on fact, and which on opinion. • What opinion is presented in the first paragraph that provides the editorial’s main point? • How is this main point developed in the second paragraph of the article? After reading this paragraph, would you say this editorial is only about Sadaam Hussein’s sons? • The lead sentence of the third paragraph states that the shootout “leaves many intriguing questions,” but then presents these questions as statements. What are the questions underlying the statements in the third paragraph? • What factual information is presented about Hussein’s sons in the fourth paragraph? What openings statement do these facts support? • How does the fifth paragraph develop the main point? On what new questions does this focus the reader? • Beyond the news of the death of the brothers, on what larger issues concerning the conflict in Iraq do the editorial writers want reader to focus?

20. Partner activity • In pairs, scan TODAY’s edition of the NY Times online (or another major news source) for news that is not addressed in that editions' editorial page. • Choose two articles on two different subject or events • Each student take turns reading each other’s article, then asking each other the following questions…..

21. Questions • What is the topic of this news article? • What question about this topic do you find controversial and worthy of an editorial? • How would you answer this question? Or rather, what is your opinion about this question? • What evidence do you have for building an argument to persuade others that your opinion is valid? • What do you think the majority stand on this subject might be? Is this the same stance as yours? If not, what is your editorial stance and how does it differ from the popular stance? • What are some opposing arguments to your opinion, and how will you counter those arguments? • What resolution do you want readers to walk away with after reading your article?

22. Assignment • Using the news article you selected, write an editorial on the issue or event. Remember to structure your editorial as follows: • Open with an intro that begins with a statement of fact that clearly defines the topic, and closes with a main opinion related to that fact. • Build an argument using supporting facts and statements of reasonable opinion • Present the reader with a clear decision- an either/or decision or a resolution that you want them to take away • Attach your editorial to your news story