"'Upskilling lesson for Column Writing'"

make it easy..

1. COLUMN WRITING ON CAMPUS JOURNALISM Facilitator: Ms. JOYCE ETHEL L. SIENES SST-III, BNHS

2. Learning Objectives: 1. Develop awareness of the fundamentals of column writing. 2. Present logical opinions based on facts 3. Develop critical thinking in making informed opinions and recommendations.

3. OPINION WRITING IN A NUTSHELL • Objectives • Strengthen analysis based on data • Present a clear stand on issues • Provide recommendations

4. WHAT IS A COLUMN? (1) • Journalistic output that shows the writer’s opinion on the chosen topic or topics • Normally has the following elements: • Column title • Article title • Byline • Columnist’s photo

5. WHAT IS A COLUMN? (2) • Appears regularly on a designated page and/or location (e.g., above or below the fold, left or right) • Normally has a specific style, tone or “approach” in writing and analyzing • Normally has a specific scope based on the columnist’s specialization

6. OBJECTIVES OF A COLUMN (1) • To explain the writer’s stand on a selected topic or topics • Attack, Defend, Endorse or Compliment • To clarify certain points of fact or argument that readers may find confusing or complicated

7. OBJECTIVES OF A COLUMN (2) • To give reactions to arguments raised by other columnists and other personalities quoted by the media • To introduce issues and concerns that are not covered by media • To mobilize readers to action (explicitly or implicitly)

8. OBJECTIVES OF A COLUMN (3) In the context of campus journalism • Column should use the language that is understood by the target audience • Column should discuss both local and national concerns (the latter being analyzed in relation to the local context) • Column should reflect the student movement’s advocacy

9. TYPES OF COLUMN (1) In terms of BEATS • Political • Economic/Business • Sports • Police • Entertainment • Science and Technology

10. TYPES OF COLUMN (2) In terms of OBJECTIVE • Opinion sharing (e.g., political, economic columns) • Advice (e.g., health, relationships) • Skills-related (e.g., fitness, household tips, language)

11. TYPES OF COLUMN (3) • In terms of FORM • Essay (single topic) • Capsule (multiple topics) • Combination (e.g., essay with a capsule at the beginning or end which can be an announcement or joke to lighten up the discussion)

12. Similarities? a critical interpretation of significant, usually contemporary issues so that the readers will be informed, influenced, or entertained.

13. What is the difference between editorial and column article? • the official stand of the newspaper •published without byline •written in third person point-of-view •personal stand of the columnist •published with byline and photo of the columnist •may be written in the third or first person point-of-view c olumn article editorial article

14. TIPS IN WRITING A COLUMN (1) • Know your target audience • Gather as much data as you can on the issue or issues to be written about • Know all arguments for or against the issue or issues • Analyze and take a stand on the issue or issues based on the given facts

15. TIPS IN WRITING A COLUMN (2) • Choose a particular writing style and tone • Write in a manner that is understandable to your defined target audience • Enlightening without being preachy • Engaging without being condescending • Serious (if needed) without being aloof • Irreverent (if needed) without being offensive • Piliin ang wikang mas maiintindihan ng mambabasa ( iba pa rin ang wikang Filipino)

16. TIPS IN WRITING A COLUMN (3) In the context of campus journalism • Avoid name-calling, other logical fallacies • As a campus journalist, issues and concerns affecting students should be the column’s focus • KNOW JOURNALISM ETHICS

17. TIPS IN WRITING A COLUMN (4) In the context of campus journalism • Selection of columnist should be based on credibility • Reward for one’s seniority, journalistic skills and dedication to campus journalism and the student movement

18. CONCLUDING REMARKS • Journalism does not just answer the 5 Ws and 1 H; it also seeks to answer two other questions: • So what? (i.e., analysis of issues based on facts) • What now? (i.e., recommendations) • Having an opinion is good; having an opinion based on reliable information is best • While all of us are entitled to an opinion, there are opinions that weigh more than others, based on factual and contextual accuracy