Editorials & Features

When it’s OK to have

opinion in a story

Editorials

Once upon a time I wrote an editorial for a writing class assignment at Texas A&M. The editorial, about the seizure of fireworks by student officers of the Corps of Cadets, was the only editorial I wrote in college. It got a B+ …including extra credit for being published in the student newspaper, The Battalion.

Editorials

Later in the year, editors of The Batt entered that editorial

in a contest that pitted two college papers (including the

Daily Texan) and 10 or so small town professional daily

newspapers. The editorial won first place.

Hmmm…. First place in a professional contest. But a B+ in class.

Restores your faith in the college grading system, doesn’t it?

Editorials

Editorials are one form of opinion writing found commonly in print, broadcast and online mediums. Others are reviews (food, movies, restaurants, etc.), staff and syndicated columns, blogs, analyses and interpretive views of news events, letters to the editor, among others. They all contain the opinion of the writer in some form, and the writer’s toneand point of view can be much different than that in a regular news story. Readers should be immediately able to determine that it’s an opinion piece.

As you might recall from the libel lecture, there are no false opinions. Nevertheless, you must have the same regard for facts and accuracy. An opinion based on mistruth won’t carry much weight.

Editorials

• How editorial views are derived at the Chronicle: A 13-member board, comprised of editorial staff members, the publisher and the editor. Issues are discussed, notes are taken and then a “vote” is made. The “winning” side becomes the viewpoint of the Chronicle. The writer might have voted against the stand, but bases the editorial on the views expressed – much like a defense lawyer must do even though they know their client is guilty. The publisher rarely asserts his authority (this is how it’s gonna be!) but has done so from time to time. Endorsements. Interviewing experts and politicians. (The Saudi visitor)

• Reader representatives and ombudsmen

Editorials: Basic elements of opinion pages

• Editorials: Usually 2 or 3 daily. Often set in wider type or larger type than other content. Usually found on the left side of the page.

• Staff columnists• Syndicated or guest columnists. The former is a paid-for

opinion; the latter may not be. Beware: Give full disclosure to readers about the authors of guest columns. It helps the reader weigh the author’s expertise or agenda. For instance, they might view a piece on “Why the Democrats Lost” differently after learning it was written by a member of the Young Republicans rather than a member of the Democratic National Committee.

• Letters to the editor: Do you reply or not?• Cartoons: Staff and syndicated. (Nick Anderson online)

Editorials: Cartoons

Because of their visibility and popularity, editorial page cartoons can be a flash point. Cartoons should undergo the same level of vetting – perhaps even more – than body copy. Here’s a cartoon by Steve Benson, a Pulitzer winner, of the Arizona Republic. Appropriate?

Editorials: Cartoons

… what about this one from Sean Delonas of the New York Post about Corey Lidle, the pitcher who was killed when the plane he was flying crashed?

Editorials: Watch those columnists

Sometimes when opinion writers get their “rant” on, they forget to give the full story. Don’t let the facts get in the way of a good rant!

Editorials: Editing tips

• Don’t be afraid to put opinion in the headlines. They can even be a bit snarky.

• Most persuasive writing has these four components:

1. The attention-getting announcement or lede. For example: "Sen. Lloyd Bentsen had it all wrong the other day: Dan Quayle is just like Jack Kennedy -- Kennedy and Quayle were unable to read.”2. The clearly stated position (also called a thesis statement).

Example: "Because of the problems of Quayle and Kennedy, literacy tests should be required of those running for public office.” 3. The properly researched background. For example: "If Dan Quayle could read, he wouldn't have embarrassed himself by entering the ladies restroom at the Lakers game the other night. He also would not be opposed to the literacy legislation pending before Congress. He also wouldn't have to have his wife read him the comics each morning."

Editorials: Editing tips

4. The compelling wrap-up or conclusion. For example: “Literacy requirements for legislators are needed. It would improve the effectiveness of those holding public office and make government more efficient.”

Continuity is the key to creating a successful and compelling conclusion. All the parts should build to the conclusion. Throwing in new information or a new argument only serves to confuse the reader and to lessen the impact of the earlier parts of the message.

Editorials: Editing tipsPersuasive writing shares several characteristics, whether it’s an editorial, advertisement or a speech. These include:

• A deliberate sales function (selling of an opinion or idea)• Organization that highlights arguments and appeals• Organization that attempts to keep the audience informed.

ALSO: In writing a persuasive piece, it is always helpful to include arguments from the other side, much as in a debate, and demolish them.

And never, NEVER begin the conclusion to an editorial with a phrase such as “In summation” or “Finally...”. Make a statement that logically flows from the arguments you have built in the body of the editorial. Once you’ve written the catch lede and built the argument, the conclusion is the next logical step.

Editorials: Exercise

• Edit this editorial, remembering to fact-check, check for AP style, check word usage, check for flow, transition and whether the author fulfills the requirements of persuasive writing successfully.

• The length is fine, but feel free to excise unneeded words, sentences, etc.

• Write a 2-24-1 headline. The headline does not have to be “subject verb object” style, nor does it have to fill out the entire space requested. It can contain opinion, but should be appropos to the subject at hand.

Features: Beyond news features

Features sections sometimes contain breaking news (Oscars, Golden Globes etc.) and news features, but those more topical stories are generally found in news sections. There may be opinion pieces (columns, reviews) or advice pieces (Dear Abby, recipes) as well.

One main difference between a news story and a feature story -- besides style -- is that there is generally no time element or sense of urgency with a feature story. Feature stories tend to be more about a person or a few people rather than about government actions or policy fallout. The content and display techniques in a features section often more resemble a magazine style than a hardbound newspaper style.

Features: Beyond news features

The rules of editing still apply (tone, libel, accuracy) but many of the constrictions / shackles on straight news writing are removed or relaxed in feature writing. You see more quotes, greater use of anecdotal leads, more descriptions and observations, more first-person construction, breezier or trendier word choice.

Because features often use more anecdotal ledes and other devices, the pace of the stories may be a bit slower than in a news story -- which should tell you in the first few graphs what the “news” is. Features should still have a nut graph. Sometimes you have to be careful that the anecdotal lede doesn’t force the nut graph to the jump page.

Features: Beyond news features

These sections or sub-sections also contain many reviews, critiques and standing columns in which opinion is clearly invited. We all want to know what the critics think of the latest Harry Potter book. The Chronicle has critics on wine, films, various types of music, antiques, food, consumer help, restaurants, theater, fashion etc. Like an editorial, the review / critique should be supported in the text – a review a few years ago on the review of The Passion of The Christ. Critic gave it an “F” but review read more like a C minus. Chronicle caught much heat from the impassioned viewers of the film.

Features: Problem areas

The landmines in features sections can go beyond the Words (recall the Carl’s Corners photo of the four college students). They can be right in front of you and still not be easy to see. This artwork ran with a story about a new exhibit opening in Houston. We’ve also had photos of fashion models making certain hand gestures.

Features: Problem areas

And even the comics pages can jump up and bite you, just like with this B.C. comic. Oh, and you’d better not forget to run Dear Abby and the crossword puzzle!

Features: Headlines

Headlines for features give an opportunity for creativity in

both content and typography. Can contain opinions or

catchy devices -- spinoffs on film names (“Just wild about

Harry” as a slammer headline for a review of When Harry

Met Sally), names of celebrities, song titles etc. Accuracy in

headline content, however, is still important.

Features: Extra credit exercise

Optional features assignment – A concert review. The

people, event, songs etc. are real. Can do for extra credit to

bring up ONE grade.

Hed order is 3-36-1 with a 3-18-1 deck.

For our style, put all “works of art” in italics or underline or

some combo of the two.