Journalism Today

Chapter 13: Writing for the Editorial Page

Overview

Editorials play an important role in today's media. Along with the opportunity journalists have to express opinions comes the obligation to do the needed research on a subject. You must understand the diverse points of view and background on an issue before presenting the paper's opinion.

Editorials serve a variety of functions; one editorial may serve several functions. Editorials may explain an issue; try to persuade others to support a viewpoint; respond to statements or positions of others; warn or caution readers, viewers, or listeners about events ahead; entertain; provide leadership by initiating or encouraging action; or offer brief comments on an action or event.

One good way to organize an editorial is to begin with an introduction to ensure that the audience understands the background of your subject. Then, clearly state your position, providing clear and concise details or background materials that strongly support that position. Next, address, either directly or indirectly, the possible positions of others. Conclude your editorial by restating your position and spelling out your recommendations or solutions.

Newspaper editorial pages may consist of a number of elements in addition to editorials: columns, reviews, editorial cartoons, and point-counterpoint articles expressing diverse views on a specific subject. Brief opinion sections that use photos of several individuals giving their opinions on an issue of the day are useful editorial elements in many publications. Along with letters to the editor and guest editorials, elements such as these help open the opinion pages of the newspaper to the readers.

Student publications should develop and communicate their editorial policies to their readers and should provide ways for those with differing positions to respond to editorials and other opinion features. The editorial pages should stimulate thought and discussion and should help resolve important issues facing your readership.

To ensure that they serve the important functions for which they were intended, editorials require as much homework and research as news, sports, or any other aspect of journalism.

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