Here are the concepts covered in Lesson 5:
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The Opinion Journalist is given permission to go beyond gathering factual information.
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An Opinion Journalist’s job is to select key facts and assemble an argument…to brandish an opinion. In responsible news organizations, a select few journalists are permitted to do the unthinkable: Arrange and select the facts and evidence in order to support one side or the other.
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The Journalist's Code of Ethics, published by the Society of Professional Journalists sets the rules for Opinion Journalists as such
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Distinguish between advocacy and news reporting.
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Analysis and commentary should be labeled and not misrepresent fact or context.
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Deny favored treatment to advertisers and special interests and resist their pressure to influence news coverage.
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Remain free of associations and activities that may compromise integrity or damage credibility.
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Opinion journalism is valuable because
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It gives you new insights
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Challenges your assumptions
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Helps you make a decision or judgment
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Provides a public forum of ideas for the public to consider
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Opinion journalism should carry labels such as:
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Editorial
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Reporter’s Notebook
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Op-Ed Contribution
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News Page Column
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Review
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News Analysis
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It also carries a particular tone and language, including:
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First person statements ("I believe... I think...."
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Tone of sarcasm and irony
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Exaggeration / Superlatives
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Parody of an issue or person
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Opinion Journalism is Valuable When:
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You are well-informed.
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You are open-minded.
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You are active, not passive consumer of news.
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Unlike opinion journalism, which emphasizes evidence-based conclusions, mere assertion is a cluster of assumptions in search of validation. Belief and Emotion trumps evidence in this sphere.
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