Editorial writing in a Newspaper

An editorial is an opinion piece written by the senior editorial staff or publisher of a newspaper or magazine. It projects the viewpoint of the paper on a policy, programme or an event. Editorials are intended to reflect the opinion of the periodical and lead the public’s point of view. It can motivate, inspire, criticize or reject certain idea or opinion. A newspaper’s editorial board decides which issues are important for their readers to know the newspaper’s opinion. Editorials should not repeat the facts that are discussed in the news story. It should analyse the fact and arrive at a logical conclusion. This makes the structure of an editorial simple and readable for the audience.

In a newspaper editorials appear on dedicated pages called editorial pages. The page opposite this page is called the op-ed page which contains opinion pieces by writers who are not part of publication. However, a newspaper may choose to publish an editorial on the front page. This is done rarely and only on topics considered especially important. Such editorials that appear on front page are called ‘Front page editorials’.

Editorial writers build on an argument and try to persuade readers to think the same way they do. The language of an editorial is usually formal and persuasive as it is directed towards the readers who are already informed of the current event or issue. An editorial is similar to an essay whose title clearly identifies the issue. The introductory statement includes the writer’s view on the issue; the body provides supporting evidence and examples; and the conclusion restates the writer’s view and provides a final appeal for the reader to agree to that view. 

Editorials are written according to specialized format:

1.       Introduction

An editorial begins with a lead with an objective explanation of the issue. This may include facts from relevant sources, and quotes.

2.      Body (Summary)

Opinion of the editorial is presented in the rest of the paragraphs.

3.      Evaluation

The facts are used to give supporting reasons for the opinion of the editorial.

4.      Conclusion

Concluding the facts and opinions given above. This can be recommendations, advice or warning.