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Gangplank Gangplank

Junior Journalism Class #4: Junior Journalism Class #4:

Editorials, Opinions & ColumnsEditorials, Opinions & Columns

July 30, 2011July 30, 2011

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Liam O’MahonyLiam O’Mahony

Wrote for student newspaper, Wrote for student newspaper, The The AdvocateAdvocate, at Clarence High School near , at Clarence High School near Buffalo, New York.Buffalo, New York.

Wrote sports features for Cornell University Wrote sports features for Cornell University Athletic Department game programs.Athletic Department game programs.

Wrote arts & entertainment reviews for Wrote arts & entertainment reviews for The The Cornell Daily SunCornell Daily Sun, entirely run by students., entirely run by students.

Currently public relations and marketing Currently public relations and marketing specialist for Chandler Recreation: specialist for Chandler Recreation: www.chandleraz.gov/recreation.www.chandleraz.gov/recreation.

Write blogs on Marketing Communications Write blogs on Marketing Communications at www.liamomahony.wordpress.comat www.liamomahony.wordpress.com

The Different Types of The Different Types of Editorial ContentEditorial Content

Editorial story written by editorial boardEditorial story written by editorial boardVisual editorials (cartoons)Visual editorials (cartoons)Column by staff writer or columnistColumn by staff writer or columnistLetters to editor / reader opinionsLetters to editor / reader opinionsGuest column or “My Take” by periodic Guest column or “My Take” by periodic

contributors or readers with unique contributors or readers with unique experience or perspective on issue or experience or perspective on issue or event.event.

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Visual Editorial TopicsVisual Editorial Topics

Current EventsCurrent Events Controversial Issues Controversial Issues ElectionsElections Popular CulturePopular Culture CelebritiesCelebrities Technology TrendsTechnology Trends

Editorial Activity #1Editorial Activity #1 What does the cartoon illustrate or What does the cartoon illustrate or

what is the meaning to the readers?what is the meaning to the readers? What is the cartoonist or artist trying What is the cartoonist or artist trying

to say about this particular topic?to say about this particular topic? Can you draw a cartoon about Can you draw a cartoon about

something in the news that interests something in the news that interests you or worries you?you or worries you?

The Arizona RepublicThe Arizona RepublicMike Benson, June 11, 2011Mike Benson, June 11, 2011

The Kansas City StarThe Kansas City Star Lee Judge, Oct. 4, 2010 Lee Judge, Oct. 4, 2010

Types of ColumnsTypes of Columns

Business or finance topicsBusiness or finance topics Healthcare issues or trendsHealthcare issues or trends Community activismCommunity activism Sports personalities & eventsSports personalities & events Arts & Entertainment Arts & Entertainment

Film reviewsFilm reviews Music / Concert reviewsMusic / Concert reviews Restaurant / Book reviewsRestaurant / Book reviews

Editorial TopicsEditorial Topics

PoliticsPolitics EducationEducation HealthcareHealthcare ScienceScience TaxesTaxes Economic DevelopmentEconomic Development CrimeCrime Non-profit endeavorsNon-profit endeavors Community EventsCommunity Events

Editorials vs. News WritingEditorials vs. News Writing Staff opinion voiced through the writing of the Staff opinion voiced through the writing of the

designated editorial writer for the publication’s designated editorial writer for the publication’s management.management.

City leaders and staff fitness editorial: City leaders and staff fitness editorial: http://www.azcentral.com/community/chandler/artihttp://www.azcentral.com/community/chandler/articles/2011/07/21/20110721chandler-editorial-cles/2011/07/21/20110721chandler-editorial-0722.html0722.html

Picks a side in an issue or declares a position.Picks a side in an issue or declares a position. Endorses proposed legislation or a candidate.Endorses proposed legislation or a candidate. Stands up for something or encourage community Stands up for something or encourage community

actionaction Generates debate or discussion among readers.Generates debate or discussion among readers.

Letters to the EditorLetters to the Editor Reader letters addressing current issue.Reader letters addressing current issue.

http://www.azcentral.com/members/Blog/Shttp://www.azcentral.com/members/Blog/ScottsdaleRepLetters/135099cottsdaleRepLetters/135099

Reader responses to recent editorials or Reader responses to recent editorials or columns.columns.

http://www.azcentral.com/members/Blog/Khttp://www.azcentral.com/members/Blog/KathleenIngley/132764athleenIngley/132764

Blog comments on stories, columns and Blog comments on stories, columns and cartoons now can be considered “short cartoons now can be considered “short letters to the editor”.letters to the editor”.

Letters to Editor Letters to Editor Types of Words Types of Words

Use strong persuasive words to Use strong persuasive words to convince readers such as:convince readers such as:

““Should”, “need to”, “take this for Should”, “need to”, “take this for example”, “consider how”, “there example”, “consider how”, “there is an opportunity”, “this can be is an opportunity”, “this can be fixed”, “could be reviewed or fixed”, “could be reviewed or addressed”, “something could addressed”, “something could be learned here”be learned here”

Activity #2: Composing Your Activity #2: Composing Your Letter to the EditorLetter to the Editor Use supporting facts of issueUse supporting facts of issue Formulate your positionFormulate your position Express your opinion Express your opinion Show your stance on the issue.Show your stance on the issue. Be concise and persuasiveBe concise and persuasive Your letter should show that you are Your letter should show that you are

informed, have picked a side or informed, have picked a side or recommend a solution and you are able recommend a solution and you are able and willing to defend your viewpoint.and willing to defend your viewpoint.