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In July 1984, I embraced a pivotal moment in my career when I became the editor and general manager of The Redfield Press. This decision was quite an investment from the newspaper’s owners, especially considering my qualifications were limited to five years in advertising sales and a degree in English.
Their gamble turned out to be one of the most enriching experiences of my life. From this opportunity, I honed my skills in crafting feature articles, covering governmental proceedings, designing newspaper layouts, and writing impactful editorials. My upbringing in Huron shaped my belief that a regular editorial slot is essential for any newspaper; after all, the Plainsman featured an editorial nearly every day during my youth. Just prior to taking on The Redfield Press role, I was with The Brookings Register, where daily editorials were standard practice.
There was an immediate need for me to learn editorial writing techniques since Roger Matz—the publisher—planned a sailing trip around the Mediterranean for several weeks. In those days before digital communication took over, Roger could not send his thoughts via email; it fell on me to produce them instead.
Roger provided what I’d later realize was quite basic guidance on how editorials should be written. He distinguished two main types: “point with pride” or “view with alarm.” His guiding principle mandated that I could only express one alarmist view after producing ten uplifting pieces. Many years later at a gathering of editors, Watertown Public Opinion Editor Gordon Garnos humorously added there was yet another type—“damning with faint praise”—and suggested mastering that as well.
This journey ultimately led me to Pierre as the editor for the Capital Journal—a publication featuring five editions each week under the ownership of the Hipple family. During his tenure as both editor and publisher of this journal, Robert Hipple famously authored two daily editorials.
When I met him during his retirement phase at Capital Journal, he imparted some critical advice about maintaining credibility: stopping using elected officials’ columns as “guest editorials.” According to him—the expectation was clear; readers deserved fresh editorial content from their newspapers daily—and that’s exactly what they would receive from me during my seventeen years there.
You’ve now read through what might feel like an extensive introduction! However long it may seem; it’s important context illustrating that I’ve gained considerable insights into writing effective editorials throughout these years.
This background makes it particularly disheartening when observing current trends surrounding editorial writing within South Dakota’s newspapers today.
As we recognize National Newspaper Week from October 6-12—a time devoted not just to celebrate newspapers but also their contributions—they remain vital sources for local news coverage ranging from sports updates and advertising opportunities down to public announcements. Yet sadly enough—editorial content has largely evaporated!
A great many newspapers still publish labeled “Editorial” sections but often lack locally crafted commentaries altogether while others opt merely for assorted opinions without offering any definitive stance themselves—including cartoons and letters rather than original thoughts or jurisdictional insights on pertinent current events!
The media landscape has shifted dramatically since 40 years ago when I first walked through The Redfield Press doors where advertisers have diversified their investments leading toward staff reductions across various publications—notably compounded by internet growth requiring editors’ attention towards online platforms alongside traditional print mediums!
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An ideal newspaper editorial presents well-reasoned perspectives addressing contemporary issues thoughtfully together enhancing public dialogue making discussions far more constructive relative than confrontations often witnessed across social media jabber! Consequently—that environment usually promotes outrage instead fueled by excessive capitalized wording emphasizes heatedness via countless exclamations!!
If our editors shy away presenting their perspectives readers lose out significantly within this exchange space leaving unremarkable silence surrounding accomplishments like witnessing transformative community projects such as Eagle Scout initiatives beautifying neglected parks or prompting concerns over trends among local government meetings tending toward more clandestine deliberation tactics by city councils!
The ultimate mission held dear among all dedicated journalists revolves around providing engaging insightful outlets relevant towards people’s interests therefore unearthing lively locally-generated opinion showcases such aspirations proving advantageous both fostering community connection alongside offering value surpassing television/radio programs characteristically incapable replicating distinctive journalism richness!
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< p>Please remember—open discussion exists glaringly outside these walls bustling loudly myriad individuals embracing blind fury although harking back once Newspapers served diligently calming sophisticated pursuits stances remained firmly grounded relating timely matters resonant reality elevating communications beyond noise competition now nearing distancing oblivion reclaiming treasured tradition feels essential moving forward! (Now—isn’t twelve points ahead stronger than preschool methods?) P>
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The post Why Are Newspapers Staying Silent While the World Speaks Up first appeared on Earth-News.info.
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Author : earthnews
Publish date : 2024-10-10 21:44:12
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