Deborah Mesce May 2016 t o Extend the Reach of Your Reporting Editorials generally are written by members of a newspapers editorial board Many journalists believe reporters should be objective and not express opinions ID: 537848
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Slide1
WRITING EDITORIALS
Deborah Mesce
May 2016
t
o Extend the Reach of Your ReportingSlide2
Editorials generally are written by members of a newspaper’s editorial board
Many journalists believe reporters should be objective and not express opinions
But many journalists write blogs and express opinions in themSome journalism models include opinion in news stories
Should Reporters Write Editorials?Slide3
Policymakers read editorials
What
Could Be gained
?Slide4
What’s the Purpose of an Editorial?
To influence policymakers
To persuade policymakers to take a certain actionTo sway public opinionTo make people thinkTo localize issuesSlide5
Argument and persuasion: Take a firm stand on a problem or condition and attempt to persuade the reader
Information and interpretation: Explain the meaning or significance of a situation or news event
Two Main Types of EditorialsSlide6
Introduction, body, solution, and conclusion
Objective explanation of the issueTimely news angle (why now?)
Opinions from the opposing viewpoint Engage issues, not personalities
Make your case with data, facts, evidence
Provide constructive criticism
Propose a solution to the problem
Elements of an EditorialSlide7
Introduction: State the problemBody: Express an opinion (and opposing opinions)
Solution: Offer a solution to the problemConclusion: Emphasize the main issue
Structure of an EditorialSlide8
Know what you want to say
Keep it tight and concise
Do your research
Write clearly, make it easy to understand, and don’t use slang
Tips for Writing
Editorials
From
Andrew Rosenthal, former editorial page editor of
The New York Times
Every writer needs an editor
Be prepared for a reaction from readersSlide9
Don’t preachWrite straight and to the point
Use active voiceUse the 3rd personBe logical and reasoned
Tips for Writing Editorials
And a few other tips from other sources: