Explore the various types of editorial in journalism and their unique roles in shaping public opinion and sparking important conversations.The literal meaning of an editorial is to express anything in editor’s own point of view It is an essay in which the editors gives his opinion on different current issues The editorial is just like the heart of a newspaper and it is to a great extent responsible for the success or failure of a newspaper. Editorial of any newspaper or magazine shows its opinion or point of views about any important matter
Types of Editorial in Journalism
We know the purpose of newspaper s pages is to inform the people, magazine’s purpose is to entertain the reader but the purpose of editorial as well as to guide the readers On the past, there w as no concept of any separate editorial page but now-a-days there are separate editorial pages.
- Editorial of Interpretation
This type of editorial explains the significance or meaning of a news event or a current idea, condition or situation. Its purpose is to inform.
It defines terms and issue-., identifies persons and factors, and provides historical and geographical background. It may examine the motives of persons or suggest the consequences of various courses of action.
It involves little if any impression of opinion, except as interpretation or explanation of facts, may be considered opinion However, the difference between interpretation and opinion is that normally anyone having access to the same facts and having the expertise to explain them would arrive at about the same interpretation. Opinion is much more personal because it evolves from a person’s biases and background, which may be different from someone else’s and perhaps either broader and deeper or limited and shallower Most editorials in the daily press are those of interpretation or criticism. Even opinion editorials are based upon acts as interpreted by the editorial board or publisher.
- Editorial of Criticism or Persuation
Such type of editorial points out the good or the bad features of a problem or some situation mentioned in the news that concerns and interests readers Its purpose is to influence ‘Hie writer usually uses the scientific method by defining a problem. examining all evidences available, and then perhaps tentatively suggesting a solution.
- Editorial of Appreciation Commendation, or Tribute
It praises commends, or pays tributes to a person or organization that has performed well. Topics for this type may include the retirement of a teacher or a well known custodian, the outstanding performance of the cast in a play or a musical show
- Editorial of Entertainment
It takes for its subject a topic of school life or a topic of student interest outside school and develops it lightly This type is very similar to the light feature story.
It evokes a smile, a chuckle, or a laugh, but often has a serious point gently and subtly suggested. This type of feature sometimes deals with sentiments. It is usually brief. Topics for this type may include fads and fashions etc.
- The “Ten-Second” or “One-Punch” Editorial
This lends itself to topics on which only one point needs to be made. Such an editorial prevents overwriting, a characteristic of many editorials.
Ten second editorials should make their points with as few as possible. Say what you have to say and quit Then edit those words so that the result is a tightly knit, concise statement.
Contents of Editorial Page
Editorial page is the page where the editorials are published In the beginning there were no particular editorial pages in newspapers. The news was written in such a form that it also served as an editorial. But, today, almost every newspaper and magazine has a particular editorial page.
Significance of Editorial
The editorials of a good newspaper are always interesting. They are full of life and attract our attention. The leading article should be thought provoking and instead of being partisan they should be independent and full of inspiration for all the readers. In fact, good editorials are read with the same interest as any other part of a newspaper.
The editorial policy of a new spaper should be based upon fairness. It should not only be applied to the editorials but it should also be applied to the news items published in the newspaper. Such a policy will increase thy popularity of the newspaper as well as create a lot of confidence among the readers of the newspaper
The editorial may be defined .by setting forth a geographical setting or a historical background, by identifying and classifying conflicting forces, by demarcating complicated issues or by outlining movements and groups. It must be able to answer the reader’s question what does this mean to me9 This question must be answered very clearly.