This is your publication's official position on issues.
The editorial serves as the official view of the paper, reflecting the opinions of many sides of an issue. It is composed by an editorial board (in this case, your group), which agrees on the topic and the view to present.
Editorial Content- deals with a current issue which concerns many readers
- may attempt to influence, by giving readers all of the facts and concerns
- offer suggestions and indications as to outcomes the opinion, if offered, will not be an extreme view, but a well prepared and informed one, taking into consideration many aspects from both sides of the debate
Horace Greeley (left) started the editorial page. He often wrote long, dull editorials.
Construction
- an editorial presents the official view of the paper, so it is a wisely thought out
clear and concise wording- free of emotive terms
- usually balanced, presenting all aspects of the situation/event/issue written on an important topic, often a deep seated problem within society, which is likely to be of interest or concern to many readers doesn't normally include reported speech.
• Introduction, body, solution and conclusion like other news stories.
• An objective explanation of the issue, especially complex issues.
• A timely news angle.
• Opinions from the opposing viewpoint that directly refute the same issues the writer addresses.
• Good editorials engage issues, not personalities and refrain from name-calling or other petty tactics of persuasion.
• Alternative solutions to the problem or issue being criticized. Anyone can gripe about a problem, but a good editorial should take a proactive approach to making the situation better by using constructive criticism and giving solutions.
• A solid and concise conclusion that powerfully summarizes the writer's opinion. Give it some punch.
Thomas Nast's editorial cartoons (above) caused the downfall of Tammany Hall.
Four Types of Editorials
Editorials of argument and persuasion take a firm stand on a problem or condition. They attempt to persuade the reader to think the same way. This editorial often proposes a solution or advises taking some definite action.
Editorials of information and interpretation attempt to explain the meaning or significance of a situation or news event. There is a wide variety of editorials in this category, ranging from those which provide background information to those which identify issues.
Editorials of tribute, appreciation or commendation praise a person or an activity.
Editorials of entertainment have two categories. One is the short humorous treatment of a light topic. The second is a slightly satirical treatment of a serious subject. (Satire is the use of sarcasm or keen wit to denounce abuses or follies. While it ridicules or makes fun of a subject it has the intent of improving it.)
Structure of an Editorial
Editorials are written according to a well-established formula.
• Lead with an Objective Explanation of the Issue/Controversy.
• Include the five W's and the H.
• Pull in facts and quotations from sources which are relevant.
• Present Your Opposition First. As the writer you disagree with these viewpoints. Identify the people (specifically who oppose you).
• Use facts and quotations to state objectively their opinions.
• Give a strong position of the opposition. You gain nothing in refuting a weak position.
• Directly Refute The Opposition's Beliefs. You can begin your article with transition. Pull in other facts and quotations from people who support your position. Concede a valid point of the opposition which will make you appear rational, one who has considered all the options.
• Give Other, Original Reasons/Analogies.
• In defense of your position, give reasons from strong to strongest order.
• Use a literary or cultural allusion that lends to your credibility and perceived intelligence.
• Conclude With Some Punch.
• Give solutions to the problem or challenge the reader to be informed.
• A quotation can be effective, especially if from a respected source.
• A rhetorical question can be an effective concluder as well.
Thomas Nast's editorial cartoons (above) caused the downfall of Tammany Hall.
Four Types of Editorials
Editorials of argument and persuasion take a firm stand on a problem or condition. They attempt to persuade the reader to think the same way. This editorial often proposes a solution or advises taking some definite action.
Editorials of information and interpretation attempt to explain the meaning or significance of a situation or news event. There is a wide variety of editorials in this category, ranging from those which provide background information to those which identify issues.
Editorials of tribute, appreciation or commendation praise a person or an activity.
Editorials of entertainment have two categories. One is the short humorous treatment of a light topic. The second is a slightly satirical treatment of a serious subject. (Satire is the use of sarcasm or keen wit to denounce abuses or follies. While it ridicules or makes fun of a subject it has the intent of improving it.)
Structure of an Editorial
Editorials are written according to a well-established formula.
- Introduction - state the problem
- Body - expresses an opinion
- Solution - offers a solution to the problem
- Conclusion - emphasizes the main issue
• Lead with an Objective Explanation of the Issue/Controversy.
• Include the five W's and the H.
• Pull in facts and quotations from sources which are relevant.
• Present Your Opposition First. As the writer you disagree with these viewpoints. Identify the people (specifically who oppose you).
• Use facts and quotations to state objectively their opinions.
• Give a strong position of the opposition. You gain nothing in refuting a weak position.
• Directly Refute The Opposition's Beliefs. You can begin your article with transition. Pull in other facts and quotations from people who support your position. Concede a valid point of the opposition which will make you appear rational, one who has considered all the options.
• Give Other, Original Reasons/Analogies.
• In defense of your position, give reasons from strong to strongest order.
• Use a literary or cultural allusion that lends to your credibility and perceived intelligence.
• Conclude With Some Punch.
• Give solutions to the problem or challenge the reader to be informed.
• A quotation can be effective, especially if from a respected source.
• A rhetorical question can be an effective concluder as well.
Back to Mass Media Stuff -- stuff I have collected over 28 1/2 years of teaching a beginning mass media course in journalism-photography at San Antonio College