Other Editorial Page Items

1
Other Editorial Page Items

• Columns, Reviews, Letters to the Editor and
  Cartoons

Adapted from www.jteacher.com
This material is the property of the AR Dept. of
Education. It may be used and reproduced for
non-profit, educational purposes only after
contacting the ADE Distance Learning Center at
http//dlc.k12.ar.us edr
2
Building a Column

• A column is a bylined article, usually between
  450 and 1,000 words, that expresses an opinion
  about something. A columns subject matter is
  unrestricted and varies widely. The
  distinguishing feature that separates column
  writing from news reporting is individuality.

3
Building a Column

• Columns should be based on factual information
  upon which the writer has formed an opinion. They
  do not need to be objective, since they represent
  the writers own opinion.
• Columns should, however, agree with the papers
  philosophy. If the paper is conservative in
  nature, columns should be conservative.

4
Building a Column

• Each columnist is expected to take a unique
  approach when addressing issues. Each columnist
  must develop a unique voice. The personal touch
  is often the key to a columns success.
• To begin a column, think of an unusual angle on
  which to focus.
• There is no specific formula for writing a
  column. However, the various parts are like those
  for a short story a beginning, a middle and a
  conclusion.

5
The Beginning

• To write an effective introduction for your
  column, what occurs to you should grab the
  readers attention.
• You might include a current news item exclusive
  to the column, an anecdote or even a joke.

6
The Middle

• The body of your column should back up your
  opinions with fact. The details you include
  should contribute real meaning to your column.
  You can include colorful descriptions or factual
  evidence which will be found in the research that
  must be done for every article that goes into the
  newspaper.
• Magazines, newspapers and television can be the
  inspiration for a column. Famous quotations might
  spark a column idea.

7
The Conclusion

• Always conclude a column in a way that will
  satisfy readers.
• Three types of conclusions are common
• The circle ending
• The rhetorical question ending
• The summary ending

8
The Conclusion

• The circle ending relates the reader back to the
  beginning of the column and ties up loose ends.
• The rhetorical question ending leaves the reader
  with a question to mull over, such as Whose life
  is it, anyway? or So where do we go from here?
• The most popular conclusion is the summary
  ending, which can wrap up a column in whatever
  way the writer chooses. However you close, just
  makes sure the reader feels satisfied. Ex Paul
  Harvey And thats the rest of the story.

9
Characteristics of a Column

• Humanitydiscuss topics close to your heart
• Witnot necessarily humor, but how well the
  writer expresses him/herself. A witty columnist
  writes in an imaginative, insightful way and has
  the ability to communicate his/her thoughts and
  ideas originally. Wit is also the columnists
  ability to change tone, subject and style.
• Freedom of approachA columnist can do just about
  anything on paper. Some columnists may abandon
  straight column writing and write verse or
  imaginative prose.

10
Dos and Donts for Column Writers

• DO vary your subject matter
• DO look for oddities and the unusual to spark
  interest in your readers
• DO use a style that is usually offbeatuse the
  personal flavor and touch.
• DO keep it short and to the point.
• DO admit it when you make a mistake.
• DO have a genuine interest in your readers write
  for them instead of for yourself.

11

• DONT embarrass anyone without real reason.
• DONT assume that you always know bestthat you
  have all the answers.
• DONT claim all the credit. Dont overlook those
  who might have helped put your thoughts in order.
• DONT overwork the pronoun I.
• DONT think that your own experiences and ideas
  are always fascinating to others.
• DONT overwork your family.
• DONT hesitate to give all sides to a story. You
  dont have to be objective, but it gives you more
  credibility when you recognize other sides to the
  story.

12
Types of Columns

• Syndicated Columns - A syndicated column is
  published through a syndicate, an association
  that acquires such things as columns, stories,
  articles and cartoons for simultaneous
  publication in numerous newspapers and
  periodicals.
• Humor Columns - The purpose of a humor column is
  to amuse and entertain others. Success depends on
  the writers point of view and his/her ability to
  shape opinions into words that will entertain
  readers.

13
Types of Columns

• Gossip Columns - This is a danger zone. People
  like to read gossip, but repeating rumors is not
  journalistic. Furthermore, gossip columns are
  subject to the same libel laws as the rest of the
  paper.
• Entertainment Page Coverage and Reviews - Reviews
  are columns that typically comment on movies,
  recordings, books, television programs, concerts,
  plays, computer software or restaurants. A review
  is more than just an opinionit is an argument
  with a heavy emphasis on judgment. The reviewer
  or critic is attempting to persuade or influence
  readers.

14
Specialized Columns

• Columns that appear in specific areas of the
  newspaper, such as on the sports, travel or
  politics pages, are called specialized columns.
• Columnists who write these types of columns
  usually know their readers and know the language
  of the people for whom they are writing. If you
  are reading a column about baseball, you would
  expect the writer to be familiar with the
  terminology used in the sport.
• Specialized words that are used exclusively by
  people in a particular group or activity are
  called jargon.

15
Letters to the Editor

• The editorial page should contain a place where
  readers react to items in the paper or subjects
  that concern them.
• The letter must be responsible, based on fact and
  signed by the writer which the newspaper must
  verify.
• Papers can turn down letters for libel or poor
  taste. Or can choose one letter if several are
  received on the same topic.

16
Editorial Cartoons

• Editorial Cartoons are simple in design, centered
  on one topic, well drawn, and timely.
• Usually related to a subject or event familiar to
  readers.
• It can stand alone or tie in to another area of
  the newspaper.

17
Editorial Cartoons

• Often incorporate symbols to represent ideas.
  Scales justice.

18
Three types of Cartoons

• Cartoon as a symbol Uses an image to represent
  an attitude. Example Big business as a fat
  man.
• Cartoon as a metaphor Likens one thing to
  another. Example School violence is a snake in
  the grass ready to strike if provoked.
• Carton as a joke on current events Targets a
  specific event. Example - Strikes

19
Random Opinion Features

• One question asked to many people.
• Represent a range of opinions in your poll.
• Choose the most interesting opinions.
• Strive for equal representation among grades,
  races, genders, etc.