EDITORIAL

Writing
(NEWSPAPERS SOUL)

Rhee Fer
Hortaleza
Editor of Pangasinan Newspapers
 What is an EDITORIAL?
It is an expression of fact and
opinion
in concise, logical, pleasing order
for the sake of entertaining,
or influencing opinion,
or of interpreting significant news
on public issues or policies in such
a way
that its importance
to the average reader will be clear.
It is usually written
in elegant but
understandable
language.
(M. Lyle Spencer)
 The EDITORIAL is also:
* the official stand of the newspaper
on a relevant
development or issue;

* the newspapers means of

advising the reader of the
significance of an event;
 a critical interpretation of significant,
usually contemporary events so that
readers will be informed, influenced
or entertained;
usually growing out of news events
and goes on to inform, interpret,
convince, persuade or entertain the
reader

* helping the reader to sift, digest

and evaluate events
 EDITORIAL
WRITING is similar to
essay writing. The
editor, however,
expresses his opinion
relevant to the reports
on current happenings.
 The EDITORIAL Page
The Editorial Page
of any newspaper is the voice
of the editor and the readers.
It is the meat of the newspaper reports
because it expresses the opinion
of whatever the management
of the publication feels
in relation to the present occasion.
The EDITORIAL Page
The EDITORIAL Page
A lively, provocative
and persuasive
Editorial Page
suggests that the newspaper
has some individuality,
has a soul.
 The

EDITORIAL
IN THE EDITORIAL PAGE
of a newspaper
usually reflects
the stand or position
of the publication.
 EDITORIALS
are made up of paragraphs.
Paragraphs are made up of sentences.
The simple sentence is a beautiful thing.
Respect it.
The editorial is the lineal descendant of
the essay.
It is prose and it does not have to be
different from other good prose.
Editorial Sources
Generally, editorial topics
can be generated
from three sources:

NEWS
RESEARCH
SPECIAL
OCCASIONS
The EDITORIAL Page
An Editorial Page
dominated by canned material,
submerged in banalities
and wallowing in the obvious,
normally reflects
a newspaper with
neither soul nor character.
 TRUTH
It is the function of the editorial
pages and editorial writers to help
lead the average citizen to better
understanding and to
TRUTH, in conformity with
the clear responsibility of a free
press.
 This purpose does not dictate
uniformity of opinion;
if anything, the contrary.
Honest men may disagree.
None has a monopoly of
wisdom, and TRUTH is
achieved by mortal men
slowly through debate
and the free
competition of ideas.
But the goal must be
TRUTH, in the form of
maximum human
welfare. The competition
of ideas must be free, if
it is to lead dependably
toward this goal.
IMPORTANT TIP
IN WRITING
EDITORIALS:
(As a rule, editorials should always
use collective pronouns)
USE
WE / US / OUR / OURSELVES
REFUSE
I / ME / MY / MYSELF
 Items in the
EDITORIAL PAGE
Normally, the occupants of a
newspapers editorial page are the
Opinion columns
Editorial cartoon
Letter to the Editor
EDITORIAL
 The EDITORIAL
is an example of good writing.
The editorial writer
interprets the facts
to the readers.
But of course it should be clear, simple,
vigorous and using concise diction.
Clear and effective ideas
serve as effective and forceful
style in EDITORIAL WRITING.
 Types of
EDITORIALS:
1. Informative editorial
2. Persuasive editorial
3. Editorial of interpretation or
comment
4. Editorial of criticism
5. Editorial of entertainment
 Types of
EDITORIALS:

6.Editorial of appreciation/tribute
7. Editorial of analogy
8. Mood editorial
9. News editorial
10. Argumentative editorial
The EDITORIAL should:
present only one idea
have a moral purpose
have sound reasoning
present facts, not mere opinions
have clearness of style
lead logically to a conclusion
avoid wordiness
have the power to influence
public opinion
Qualities of a good
Editorial
Notably, a good editorial
should possess:
# Interest
# Brevity
# Force
The
EDITORIAL WRITER
should:
present facts honestly and
fully. It is dishonest and unworthy
of him to base an editorial on
half-truth. He should never
consciously mislead a reader,
distort a situation or place any
person in a false light.
draw objective conclusions
from the stated facts, basing
them upon the weight of evidence
and upon his considered concept
of the greatest good.
 never be motivated by personal
interest, not use his influence to
seek special favors for himself or
for others. He should hold himself
above any possible taint of
corruption, whatever its source.
realize that he is not infallible.
Therefore, so far as it is in his
power, he should give a voice to
those who disagree with him in
a public letters column and by
other suitable devices.
 regularly review his own
conclusions in the light of all
obtainable information. He should
never hesitate to correct them
should he find them to be based
on previous misconceptions.
have the courage of well-
founded conviction and a
democratic philosophy of life. He
should never write or publish
anything that goes against his
conscience.
 Many editorial pages
are the product
of more than one mind,
however, and sound
collective judgment
can be achieved only through
sound individual opinions
or judgments.
Therefore,
thoughtful
individual
opinions
should be
respected.
Thus, the editorial writer should
support his colleagues
in their adherence
to the highest standards
of professional integrity.
His reputation is
their reputation;
and theirs is his!
(Lifted from the Philippine Journalism Handbook
authored by Jaime B. Ramirez)
Tapos
na po!
 WRITING EXERCISE
Write an editorial on this subject/topic:
English:
Avoiding
bullying acts
Filipino:
Bullying: Paano
ito maiiwasan?