On Editorials

The editorial is an article that presents that newspaper's or editors' stand on a particular issue or concern.

Editorials could either...

• Promote
• Criticize
• Persuade
• Praise
• Combination

A newspaper's first editorial is often used to announce the editors' principles and objectives.

"Modest very modest are our aspirations. Our program besides is simple, very simple. It is to combat everywhere reactionary movement, prevent any backward step, applaud, accept every liberal idea, defend every progressive move, in one word, it is one more propagandist of all the ideas of democracy in the hope that they may prevail here and beyond the seas."

"The purpose of La Solidaridad then is to gather and compile the redeeming ideas that daily are poured into the field of politics and the spheres of science, arts, letters, commerce, agriculture and industry."

"We shall also discuss the questions pertaining to the general interests of the nation and seek their solution in a democratic and rational sense."

The Spanish provinces beyond the seas will find in La Solidaridad a determined supporter of their just and legitimate aspirations, an organ that will reflect their needs and expose the ills that afflict them so that they may be rewarded.

Differences

• News
• Features
• Literary
• Commentary

"We", not "I"

How to write an editorial

The first step is to draw a list of issues and concerns. Choose the most important, most urgent, most relevant.

Talk about it, debate on the pros and cons, and then take a clear position.

Work on an outline.

Study the issue. Explain the position. Debunk others. Offer alternatives.

Write, rewrite and rewrite.

Editorial-writing

• Choose an issue or concern
• Debate and take a position
• Work on an outline
• Study, explain, debunk, make an offer
• Write, rewrite and rewrite

"I have two hands..."

The power of example

Tools for Analysis

History vs. Destiny

Interconnectedness vs. Isolation

"Change the world" vs.
"That's just it."

Moving forward vs. staying put (or going backward)

Always a choice between scientific and pre-scientific methods!

Question everything

Stinky Toilet Problem

Pre-scientific

• Its the students' fault
• Students not disciplined
• That's the wait it is
• Students should obey rules

Scientific

• Number of toilets
• Water supply
• Toilet maintenance
• Has it always been this way? 
• Audit of school expenses, please

Traffic Problems

Pre-scientific

• Lack of discipline
• Jeepneys, buses to blame
• Motorists suffer
• Low fares
• More sacrifice

Scientific

• Everyone affected, especially commuters
• No traffic plan
• Poor infrastructure
• Fares or fare hikes not an issue
• Immediate, long-term solutions needed

Disasters

Pre-scientific

• People didn't evacuate
• People are ignorant
• People fight among themselves
• Gov't hands are tied, funds limited
• Can't change fate

Scientific

• Late, limited evacuation
• Scarce, incorrect information
• People help themselves, each other
• Gov't unprepared, slow and corrupt
• Climate change adaptation

A powerful editorial is clear, concise and compelling. It also guides towards better understanding and convinces the reader to agree with it.

Maraming salamat!

Workshop

What to do

• Take a position
• Discuss and quickly research
• Make an outline
• Present

President Binay

Filipino in College

Tuition Fee Increases

Final words

If done without malice but only the "common good" in mind, great and unforgettable editorials and commentaries are the most fearless ones.

Maraming salamat!