Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 356 Journalism: Publishing Across Media readers want the opinion of the paper, they go to “Editorial.” When they want the opinions of informed individuals, they go to “Op-ed,” where they will fi nd signed opinion pieces. In print publications, editorials are set apart by their layout. They often are printed in wider “legs” than opinion pieces that is, they are two columns wide but stretched across the space usually given to three columns of text, with wider gutters between the columns. They may be surrounded by more white space or given wider leading, that is more space between lines. The section may also be marked “Editorial.” 1. Go to the print and online editions of two professional publications. Clip, print or download pages from each. Identify the design elements or navigational tools that identify staff editorials. 2. Going Deeper. Read an editorial and an opinion piece from the same publication. Observe how they differ in • organization—watch the opening and closing closely. • tone—how formal is the word choice? Any humor? • purpose—describe the purpose of each. How does the writer hope to change the reader? • length—which is longer? Can you tell why? Your Turn 1 G What to Write for a Staff Editorial The staff editorial should be timely in one of these ways: • It may take a position on an issue that has been covered objectively in the current edition or in a recent edition of your publication. If you have just covered a fi ght at a volleyball game, it is appropriate to comment on the level of security at your away games. • It may take a position on a topic of national or international interest that has been covered in the professional press and is of interest to your audience. If child soldiers have been in the news—and on the minds and social media pages of your audience—it is fair to point out bogus charities that claim to rescue them, and then point out meaningful ways to contribute. • It may be proactive, pointing out a potential problem that your audience should care about. If a reporter has noticed that surrounding districts offer junior high school students two choices of foreign language and your district offers none, you may both inform your audience and take a position. (However, if the last junior high school foreign language class is about to be cut, it is generally better to cover the cut in news before you take a position on your opinion page.)