Writing for the
Editorial Page
Chapter 13
Journalism Today
Functions of Editorials
To Explain
To Persuade
To Answer
To Warn
To Criticize
To Praise
To Entertain
To Lead
To Briefly Comment
Writing the Editorial
Introduction
Give brief statement of background needed
Reaction
Set reader up to receive your opinion (your stance)
Details
Go into details that support your reaction
Conclusion
You can say “shame on you”, or “congratulations”
Most give several alternative solutions to problem
Points to Remember
Choose a subject important to your readers
If writing a controversial editorial, do your
research first, then write
When finished writing, ask yourself if you
can summarize the entire point of your
editorial.
Don’t use first person. No “I”.
You can use “we” and “you”.
Effective Editorials
Be fair.
Be brief.
Do your research.
Come to the point quickly.
Base opinions on fact.
Be sincere
Don’t take yourself too seriously.
Avoid gossip and hearsay.
Admit errors when you have been wrong.
Don’t preach; persuade.