Writing editorials is one of the most important, high-profile and controversy-ridden responsibilities of The Channels editors. College leaders—from students and faculty to key administrators—read editorials to see what the best, brightest and most informed students advocate on pressing campus issues. The editorial writer has tremendous power to influence opinion and policy, a power that brings with it awesome responsibility.
In general, an editorial is a strongly worded opinion column that seeks to persuade or enlighten. The editorial writer should thoroughly research and understand all sides of an issue, then develop this background into a well- supported and argued opinion. Even when disagreeing, the editorial writer should strive for a tone that is courteous and fair.
Editorial topics and positions are developed by consensus of the editorial board. The editorial writer may be written by an individual team, but the writer or writers always speak for the board majority. Editorials are unsigned.
The following guidelines should be considered in the development of editorials:
Types of editorials
In general, an editorial is a strongly worded opinion column that seeks to persuade or enlighten. The editorial writer should thoroughly research and understand all sides of an issue, then develop this background into a well- supported and argued opinion. Even when disagreeing, the editorial writer should strive for a tone that is courteous and fair.
Editorial topics and positions are developed by consensus of the editorial board. The editorial writer may be written by an individual team, but the writer or writers always speak for the board majority. Editorials are unsigned.
The following guidelines should be considered in the development of editorials:
Types of editorials
- Persuasive—meant to influence readers or policy makers, to urge them to take a particular stand.
- Explanatory or Analysis—still opinion, but mostly casts new light on ongoing issue. Localization of state or federal issue good example of this.
- Obituary—laudatory in nature. Commentary on person leaving public service is similar type.
- Endorsement—in political races.
Goals of editorials
- To make people think
- To influence policy makers, to sway a pending decision by government agency.
- To localize issues for readers, to bring it home for them and give it relevance.
Structure
- Editorials are written in a simple, direct and persuasive language. Generally they should run about 12". Longer editorials must be approved by the editorial board.
- The editorial opens with power and closes with purpose. Begin with a premise or strongly worded opinion then wrap up with a conclusion that restates the premise. If the reader has to wonder about or search for the editorial writer’s opinion, then the piece is not a success.
- In the body, provide facts, information and statistics to support your premise. You may pull broadly from past news stories. Provide facts, supporting material. The facts (evidence) should be as complete as possible in the space allowed. Avoid repeating arguments in the body, even if using different language.
- The strongest editorials acknowledge the opposing viewpoint, then use sound reason to refute it. No issue is black and white, and the informed editorial writer will note the merit of the opposition’s views.
- Finish with a conclusion that restates the premise. When the editorial includes criticism, the writer should provide a solution or a plea for reader action.
Other guidelines
- Editorials should be based on campus developments that already have been reported in the news column of The Channels. To do otherwise makes the editorial column the vehicle of reporting, and that is not its function; its function is analysis, comment, and opinion. An editorial may, when odd publication dates require it, appear simultaeously with a news story on which it comments.
- Remember who you are writing for and explain everything. Make sure you briefly restate the issues you are opining about. Expect that readers know nothing about the issue.
- Strive to show how the editorial subject will directly affects the reader.
- As with all good writing, avoid overgeneralizations and assumptions. Follow same rules as reporting when it comes to libel and use of language. Be careful. Always take the high road. No personal attacks or mean-spirited attacks.
- A cartoon should be assigned to illustrate the theme of the editorial.
- Editorials should include praise as commonly as attack or criticism.
- Beforehand, someone should ask: “Who will the editorial hurt?” or “Who will protest vigorously?” Ponder the responses and be prepared to face the consequences.
- Can you stand the heat? If not, get out of the kitchen! Don't write editorials unless you're able to stand criticism. Every sentence and in many cases, every word, must stand on its own.