East Valley Tribune Editor exposes editorial writing pitfalls

Le Templar, editorial editor from the East Valley Tribune, gave an information packed presentation to the ASNE group today.

My favorite part was his identification of pitfalls to avoid which included two warnings I felt were particularly applicable to student journalists: (a) understanding the difference between being a voice of authority and thinking you are the voice of God; and (b) ignoring or mislabeling opposing views.

To be a voice of authority, a writer must "be ruthless about fact checking." Templar said that the public will more easily overlook or forgive mistakes in a news story because they understand the time constraints involved, but are merciless about mistakes in editorials because they are supposed to have been written with more time for research.

I will also be using his recommendation of three editorial writers (Ellen Goodman, Leonard Pitts and Eugene Robinson) who are good examples to direct myself and my students in emulation.

Teresa Gallegos
Blackfoot High School
Blackfoot, Idaho