Editorials

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Editorials

• DASA
• Digital Journalism 1

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The Editorial

• The editorial states the opinion of the
  newspaper. Usually on a single editorial page.
• Newspaper opinion writers use the editorial page
  to advance an argument or discuss important
  issues of the day.
• A high school editorial writer can raise issues
  that concern students and can sometimes change
  attitudes and even policies.

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Editorial Board

• A group of journalists who evaluate the position
  of editorialists and decide how an issue will be
  discussed on the editorial page.

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Three common types of editorials

• Interpretation
• Criticism and Persuasion
• Entertainment

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1. Interpretation

• Interpretation-Taking a topic, breaking it down,
  and crafting a coherent editorial, writers
  provide a valuable service to readers.

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2. Criticism and Persuasion

• Sometimes editorialists express their opinions
  and criticize people or policies.
• Often editorials try to persuade readers to agree
  with them. The writer can expect a vocal response
  from the opposing camp because not everyone sees
  the world the same way.

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3. Entertainment

• Some editorials use humor to make a point. Less
  offensive to opponents.
• Another effective strategy is the use of lists
  such as David Lettermans top ten lists. That can
  be very compelling if the writer gets the facts
  straight and organizes them in a logical manner.

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The Staff Editorial

• One of the most controversial pieces on the
  editorial page is the staff editorial.
• There is no byline and often contains a plural
  voice we.
• The names mentioned in the MASTHEAD-box with all
  the editors assume responsibility for the
  editorial.

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Writing the Editorial

• In an effective editorial the writer uses
  documented, credible information to voice an
  informed opinion. The editorial is written very
  similar to newswriting.
• Accuracy cannot be over-emphasized. Editorialists
  must get the facts straight!
• Dont exaggerate, use sarcasm or use I.
• Attack ideas, policies, or actions but not people.

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The editorial page also contains

• Letters to the editor. A good editorial with
  invite reader response with letters (or e-mails)
  to the editor.
• Editorial Cartoons that are very effective in
  getting a point across.
• Statement of Editorial Policy.
• Masthead with all the names of the editors and
  publisher.

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Editorial page wrap up

• Free Speech is central to a healthy society.
• The mission of the editorial page is to trigger
  an exchange of thoughtful opinions.