Editorializing
Editorializing is inserting your own (or someone else's) opinion or endorsement in an article. Unless you are quoting somebody else, there should be no opinion in a news article. 'Editorializing happens when a writer consciously or unconsciously expresses doubt, censure or praise in a news story. The only persons permitted to express an opinion in a straight news story are the persons in the story itself. Even then, the opinion quoted must be attributed to the person who gave it. News stories should be written in the third person. The writer’s personal opinions should never be injected into a news story. Facts should be reported as they are found, without personal pronouns referring to the writer. Editorials are articles in newspapers or magazines in which the views of their editors or those in control of the periodicals are intentionally presented. However, such articles are clearly identified and purposely set apart from the publications’ news and features. The electronic media also offer editorial opinions, but they, too, take care to keep them separate from their regular newscasts. Consider the following examples of editorializing in straight news copy, then note the following suggestions offered to eliminate the implied opinions: Poor: Lt. Post is exceptionally well qualified for the position. Improved: Lt. Post, with a degree in law, has eight years of experience as a Navy legal officer. Poor: An interesting program is planned for tonight at the Officers’ Club. Improved: Here is tonight’s program at the Officers’ Club." Another example: 1. Because the team is poorly coached, the team loses most games they play. 2. "I think the team would perform better with the right direction and stronger coaching," said the player. Which of the above sentences seems editorialized? Tips to avoid editorializing:
sources: 1. http://www.mediahelpingmedia.org/training-resources/editorial-ethics/237-the-importance-of-accuracy-in-journalism 2. http://sophia.smith.edu/sophian/what_is_editorializing.htm 3. http://photographytraining.tpub.com/14130/css/14130_86.htm For Thursday
To help you study for our quiz next Tuesday,, be sure to create note cards for the following 14 words by this Thursday:
Journalism Broadcast Journalism Print Journalism Internet/Online Journalism Elements of Newsworthiness: Timeliness Human Interest Proximity Prominence Consequence Conflict Hard News Soft News Journalistic Accuracy Journalistic Objectivity Editorializing |