Summing Up Lesson 5

Here are the concepts covered in Lesson 5:

  • The Opinion Journalist is given permission to go beyond gathering factual information.

  • 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.

  • The Journalist's Code of Ethics, published by the Society of Professional Journalists sets the rules for Opinion Journalists as such

    • ​Distinguish between advocacy and news reporting.

    • Analysis and commentary should be labeled and not misrepresent fact or context.

    • Deny favored treatment to advertisers and special interests and resist their pressure to influence news coverage.

    • Remain free of associations and activities that may compromise integrity or damage credibility.

  • Opinion journalism is valuable because 

    • It gives you new insights

    • Challenges your assumptions

    • Helps you make a decision or judgment

    • Provides a public forum of ideas for the public to consider

  • Opinion journalism should carry labels such as:

    • Editorial

    • Reporter’s Notebook

    • Op-Ed Contribution

    • News Page Column

    • Review

    • News Analysis

  • It also carries a particular tone and language, including: 

    • First person statements ("I believe... I think...."

    • Tone of sarcasm and irony

    • Exaggeration / Superlatives 

    • Parody of an issue or person

  • Opinion Journalism is Valuable When:

    • You are well-informed.

    • You are open-minded.

    • You are active, not passive consumer of news.

  • 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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