An editorial column is a piece of journalism about current issues meant to persuade or educate the audience. These articles have a lighter tone than standard news pieces and are often the only parts of a newspaper in which opinion is expressed. There are four main types of editorial content in journalism, and each is meant to accomplish a different goal:
Opinion editorials express opinions on topics that are either directly or indirectly related to current events. These editorials can agree or disagree with the status quo, but they are usually well-researched and presented in a clear way. This type of editorial is one of the most common in today’s society, and it can include anything from political arguments to celebrity gossip.
Interpretation editorials explain the significance of a particular event or issue and are often written in first person. These types of editorials are a great way to share an opinion on something without expressing it in a very public manner.
Criticism editorials criticize a particular situation, idea or person and may include facts or speculation. They are a great way to voice a strong opinion on a topic and can be extremely effective.
Editorials are also known as Opinion columns or Op-Eds. These articles are usually not signed and instead appear under the name of the publication as “Our View,” or something similar. This form of writing is very effective at conveying a certain stance to readers and can help open doors for future freelance opportunities. Many celebrities and famous people publish their own op-eds as a way to create awareness or touch on a controversial topic.