Types of Opinion

Opinion and Editorial Writing Lesson 3 Types of Opinion 1.

Signed Articles: Editorial writers now have more opportunities to write interpretive and opinion pieces as newspapers are providing additional space for opinion articles and artwork on the op ed section (opposite page of editorial). Also, publishers are more willing to allow staff writers to put names on articles that are not intended to be the voice of the paper. a. Personal opinion: A point made in a personal opinion column may or may not differ from the newspapers institutional editorial position. It may be written the first person singular unlike the editorial which uses we and may be informal or in narrative form. b. Interpretation and Analysis: they are much longer than editorials and may reveal the writers viewpoint but the primary purpose is to provide readers information and insight and may raise questions. c. Media criticism: At times, the microscope is turned round to examine the job that print and electronic media are doing. Thus, so media houses may have a media critic (ombudsman) who provides a conscience and tries to uphold journalistic standards and serves readers by listening to and considering their concerns. The critic may periodically, write a column (carried on the editorial page) about bad and good media or journalistic practices/issues. The column may attract readers if it is fair, free and knowledgeable. 2. Local Columns: They cover a variety of subjects and may have the following: a. First person: They may frequently use I in the columns as they express what they think or sometimes describe a personal experience. b. Narrative form: They describe events in chronological order and tell a story to make a point. c. Opening example: They capture readers by a dramatic, startling or heartwarming beginning. d. Not an editorial: Columns are not written in formal manner of the editorial and may not engage not engage in the amount of research expected of editorials. e. Local angle: they write on local and personal affairs. f. Personality: With time, a skilled columnists personality emerges and readers respond favourably. g. Unpredictability: Columnists have pet subjects and topics but successful columns are those that constantly the reader. They may write on the how and why of a subject. 3. Reviews: Books, television, films, theatre, dance, music and art are commonly reviewed in the paper. These may be written by writers associated with the editorial page. Reviewers describe to the readers the subject of review and comment on the subject. The review does not only state if the production is good or bad but describes, explains and evaluates the aspect of review. a. Film and Theatre: Its purpose is to give general readers some ides on whether to spend money and time on the review. If the performance has passed, a review gives one an opportunity to decide whether to attend to future productions of the group or theatre.

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Readers wish to know if it is a mystery, comedy or musical and a brief description of the plot without giving away the surprises. Readers seek to know who are the producers, directors and actors. Readers seek the writers opinion which adds colour to the review. The reviewer should write in an interesting and witty manner to attract readers and make them accustomed to the column. Concerts: Reviews of single performance are evaluative, not prescriptive. Readers who saw the show are generally interested in comparing their impressions with those of the reviewer. Those who were not there may be happy or sad that they attended. Both sets of readers benefit as it helps them decide whether to attend future performances of the same group. Books: Readers expect book reviewers to comment on the subject matter of the day, the organization, the comparative emphasis given to parts of the book, the quality of writing, the qualifications of the author, and the adequacy and reliability of the contents. Reviewers explain what the author intended to accomplish with the book and evaluate how well the author accomplished the purpose. Broadcast Editorials: Broadcast station owners ought to share the responsibility as newspaper publishers to provide for the exchange of opinion on issues of the day. These editorials demonstrate that the station is involved in the community concerns by commenting and highlighting them. Daniel Toohey states that broadcast editorials are the most mature form of journalism, referring to public broadcasting. He argues that, without the right to editorialize, public broadcasting will be relegated to permanent adolescence. Editorial Cartoons: Editors pack up an issue using a sketch and a few words compared to the five hundred word article. The cartoons effectiveness depends on clarity of the message, receptivity of the audience and artistic ability of the artist. The cartoonists use a wide variety of techniques to make the audience comprehend it. It involves a familiar image that might seem to have no relation to the message of the cartoon; use fictional or real characters that readers are expected to recognize. It gives a light hearted side of the otherwise serious form of editorial page. It is based on news reported and may criticize wrongs. The editor must ensure that the cartoon is free of libel and obscenity. Letters to the editor: letters give readers a better feeling about the newspaper; give readers a chance to speak/write their minds to the public and create interest in editorial page and increase readership. It seems that letters are amongst the most read parts of a paper.

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Opinion and Editorial Writing Lesson 3 Types of Opinion 1.

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