WRITING THE EDITORIAL

Editorial:

Official stand of the paper on a relevant development or issue.

Personal commentary written by the editor who comments or gives the
newspapers or staffs opinion about various aspects on an issue which
is of interest and importance to the public.
Critical interpretation of significant, usually contemporary events so
that the readers will be informed, influenced, or entertained.
It is the stand of the newspaper, not an individual editor.

Other definitions and explanations:

1. An editorial is an article in a newspaper giving the editors view or
those of the person or persons in control of the paper. Waldrop
2. It is the expression of the peoples conscience, cause and convictions.
Pulitzer
3. The modern editorial includes analyses and clarifications, sometimes
with no opinion given. - Capper
4. The editorial should provide the background in which facts are seen in
a new perspective and should express its opinions. Terral
5. Bitterness, Bias, and fear have no place in an editorial. They make for
weakness no matter how much they bluster. White
6. It is a presentation of facts and opinion in a concise, logical manner, or
of interesting significant news in such a way that its importance to the
average reader will be clear- Spencer

Characteristics of a good editorial:

1. Clearness of style
2. Moral purpose
3. Sound reasoning
4. Power to influence public opinion - Spears and Lawshe

Lead logically to a conclusion

Present only one idea

Avoid wordliness
Present facts and not mere opinion

Types of Editorials:
Editorial of Information: It seeks to give information on facts unknown to
the reader. It restates the facts of the news stories or adds other facts with
minimum explanation. It may define terms, identify persons or factors or
provide a background; e.g. Freedom of the Press
Editorial of Interpretation: It explains the significant or meaning of a
news event, current idea , condition, or situation or theory, or hypothesis.
The writer does not argue nor criticize, but merely presents both sides of an
issue and leaves the judgment to the reader. It merely interprets, say for
example, the content of a new memorandum issued by the principal; e.g.
Freedom of the Press : Two Schools of Thought
Editorial of Criticism: It points out the good or the bad features of a
problem or situation mentioned in the news. Its purpose is to influence a
reader. It suggests a solution at the end, e.g. School Administration Not
Sincere in Press Freedom Promise
Editorial of commendation, appreciation, or tribute: It praises,
commends, or pays tribute to a person or organization that has performed
some worthwhile projects or deeds, or accomplishments; e.g. Laurels to TPS
Culinary Group
Editorial of Argumentation: This is oftentimes called the editorial of
persuasion. The editor argues in order to persuade the reader to accept his
stand on the issue; e.g. Freedom of the Press Not Violated
Editorial of Entertainment: It evokes a smile, a chuckle, laughter, while
suggesting truth. Its main aim is to entertain. It is usually short. e.g. Mini
Skirt, Anyone?
Mood Editorial: It presents a philosophy rather than an argument or an
explanation. Oftentimes, the subject matter is nature or emotion.
Special Occasion: It explains the significance of a special day or occasion;
e.g. The Significance of Christmas