Editorial Writing Characteristics of a Good Editorial

- Yes
“Don’t take anyone’s writing advice too - Objective
seriously.” - Lev Grossman - Clear
- Simplified
Editorial - Factual
- The paper’s stand. - No
- Near the staff box - Subjective
- No by-line or tagline - Vague
- Factual - Simplistic
- Hearsay
Objectives of an Editorial
- Simplify the issue Parts (Basic Structure of an Editorial
- Clarify or correct misconceptions - Introduction – one-liner, gist of
- Take sides argument (should catch readers’
- Mobilize the readers to action attention)
- To strengthen the media’s role as - Analysis – clear presentation of
social critic arguments supporting the stand
- To either react to or raise issues that reflected in the introduction
must be made known to the public - Conclusion – summing up; must
In the context of journalism include specific calls to action
- Editorials seek to reflect the paper’s whenever possible
pro-student orientation
- Editorials seek to provide analysis of Editorial Formula
issues from the students’ point of - Introduction
view - S – state the problem
- Editorials seek to discuss both - P – position on the problem
national and local/campus concerns - Analysis
- E - evidence to support the
Analyzing the Campus and National problem
Situation - Conclusion
- Contextualization: Trace the - S – solutions
historical roots of issues and - C – conclusion
concerns / localize
- Contradictions: Know the different Structure of an Editorial (Alan Weintraut)
sides - Introduction
- Courses of Action. Identify - Lead- News peg and
recommendations. position/stand
- Analysis
Who writes the editorial? - Present Your Opposition First
- Written by an editor or a member of - Facts and quotations
the editorial board. that state objectively
- It does not have any byline. their opinions
 - Directly Refute the Who writes the column?
Opposition’s Beliefs - A column is written by a columnist,
- Facts and quotations editor or other selected individual on
supporting your stand a topic of their choosing.
- Give Other Reasons - It is the expression of one person's
- Reasons from strong opinion or viewpoint
to strongest order - A column is written by a columnist
- Conclusion who is sometimes not associated
- Conclude with some Punch with newspaper.
- Solutions to the - The column is known by his name.
problem or a - Generally written using first person
challenge to the singular or third person singular.
reader. Columns are signed by the author.
In the context of campus journalism
Basic Structure of an Editorial - Column should use the language
- Don`t forget to use transitional that is understood by the target
devices: audience
- However; Moreover; - Column should discuss both local
nevertheless, meanwhile, and national concerns (the latter
consequently, finally being analyzed in relation to the
local context)
Column/Opinion Writing - Column should reflect the student
What is a column? movement’s advocacy
- Journalistic output that shows the - Choose a particular writing style and
writer’s opinion on the chosen topic tone
or topics - Write in a manner that is
- Normally has the following elements: understandable to your defined
- Column title target audience
- Article title - Avoid name-calling, other logical
- Byline fallacies
- Columnist’s photo - As a campus journalist, issues and
concerns affecting students should
be the column’s focus
- KNOW JOURNALISM ETHICS
- Know your target audience
- Gather as much data as you can on
the issue or issues to be written
about
- Know all arguments for or against
the issue or issues
- Analyze and take a stand on the
issue or issues based on the given
facts
In terms of FORM - Let us take opinion writing seriously
- Essay (single topic)
- Capsule (multiple topics)
- Combination (e.g., essay with a
capsule at the beginning or end
which can be an announcement or
joke to lighten up the discussion)

Tips in writing a column in the context of

campus journalism
- Selection of columnist should be on
the basis of credibility
- Reward for one’s seniority,
journalistic skills and
dedication to campus
journalism and the student
movement

Types of column: In terms of BEATS

- Political
- Economic/Business
- Sports
- Police
- Entertainment
- Science and Technology

Types of column: In terms of OBJECTIVE

- Opinion sharing (e.g., political,
economic columns)
- Advice (e.g., health, relationships)
- Skills-related (e.g., fitness,
household tips, language)

Concluding Remarks
- Journalism does not just answer the
5 Ws and 1 H; it also seeks to
answer two other questions:
- So what? (i.e., analysis of
issues based on facts)
- What now? (i.e.,
recommendations)
- A committed journalist is not
necessarily a good “first draft” writer,
but an excellent “rewriter”