MAC 361: Editorial and Broadcast Commentary Writing.
1. Editorial revolves around persuasion. Discuss.
An editorial is an article written by an editor or a group of editors in a newspaper, magazine, or broadcast that expresses opinions on current issues. Editorials are meant to persuade the audience by presenting logical arguments, facts, and emotional appeals to influence public opinion.
Persuasion in editorial writing is achieved through:
- Logical Reasoning – The writer presents well-researched facts and figures to convince the reader.
- Emotional Appeal – Some editorials use emotions to connect with the audience, making them feel strongly about the issue.
- Authority and Credibility – When an editorial is written by a credible media house or journalist, readers are more likely to be influenced.
- Call to Action – Editorials often encourage people to take action, such as voting, protesting, or changing a certain behavior.
For example, an editorial on climate change may persuade people to adopt environmentally friendly habits by presenting scientific evidence and emotional stories of disaster victims.
2. Editorial is perhaps the most important content of the newspaper. Detail all you know about Editorials.
An editorial is a newspaper article that presents an opinion on an issue. It is often written by senior journalists or editors and reflects the newspaper’s official stance on a topic.
Characteristics of an Editorial:
- Opinionated: Unlike news reports, which are neutral, editorials express opinions.
- Persuasive: They aim to influence readers’ thoughts on important issues.
- Well-researched: They are backed by facts, examples, and logical arguments.
- Call to Action: Some editorials suggest solutions or urge readers to take action.
Types of Editorials:
- Interpretative Editorials – Explain and analyze complex issues for the readers.
- Critical Editorials – Criticize policies, government actions, or social issues.
- Tribute Editorials – Honor great individuals, such as famous leaders or heroes.
- Persuasive Editorials – Aim to change public opinion on a subject.
For example, a newspaper editorial might support free education by highlighting its benefits and urging the government to implement it.
3. Write an Editorial to attack any government policy you disagree with.
Title: The Government’s Failure in Tackling Unemployment
The rate of unemployment in Nigeria is alarmingly high. Despite government promises to create jobs, thousands of graduates roam the streets without employment. This failure has increased crime, poverty, and hopelessness among Nigerian youth.
One major reason for this is poor economic policies. Instead of investing in industries, agriculture, and skill development, the government spends too much on political salaries and foreign travels. Many job creation programs, such as N-Power, have failed due to corruption and poor implementation.
We urge the government to focus on real economic reforms. It should provide low-interest loans for small businesses, invest in technology, and improve the ease of doing business. If urgent action is not taken, unemployment will continue to destroy the future of this country.
4. Write an Editorial to pay tribute to a personality who has made a difference in society.
Title: The Legacy of Prof. Dora Akunyili
Nigeria has produced many great leaders, but few have had the impact of Prof. Dora Akunyili. As the Director-General of NAFDAC, she fearlessly fought against fake drugs that were killing thousands of Nigerians.
Despite threats to her life, Akunyili did not give up. She introduced strict policies, arrested corrupt manufacturers, and restored confidence in Nigeria’s drug industry. Her leadership saved countless lives and made Nigeria a safer place.
Her honesty, courage, and dedication should inspire our current leaders. Nigeria needs more people like Prof. Dora Akunyili—leaders who put service above self-interest.
5. Differentiate between Editorial and a Commentary in graphic details.
| Feature | Editorial | Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | An article expressing the newspaper’s official opinion on a major issue. | A personal opinion piece that reflects the writer’s views on an issue. |
| Tone | Formal and persuasive. | Can be conversational, reflective, or humorous. |
| Author | Written by editors. | Written by columnists, experts, or guest writers. |
| Purpose | To influence public opinion and advocate for change. | To provide personal insights or analysis of an issue. |
| Examples | Editorial on why corruption must end in Nigeria. | A commentary on why football brings Nigerians together. |
6. Write a Commentary on the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Title: Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic changed the world in ways we never imagined. It shut down businesses, schools, and even religious gatherings. Millions of lives were lost, and global economies suffered great losses.
However, the pandemic also taught us many lessons. It showed the importance of healthcare investment. Many African countries struggled because they had poor hospitals and lacked medical supplies. It also taught us the value of technology—as schools and offices moved online.
Above all, COVID-19 reminded us that life is fragile, and we must always be prepared for emergencies. Governments must invest in health infrastructure, and individuals must practice good hygiene to prevent future outbreaks.
7. How are Editorials and Commentaries analyzed?
Analyzing editorials and commentaries involves:
- Identifying the Main Idea – What issue is being discussed?
- Checking the Argument – Is it based on facts, logic, or emotion?
- Examining the Tone – Is it formal, critical, persuasive, or humorous?
- Evaluating the Evidence – Does the writer use statistics, examples, or expert opinions?
- Looking at the Conclusion – Does the article offer solutions or just criticize?
For example, if an editorial supports fuel subsidy removal, we analyze whether the arguments are strong, fair, and based on real facts.
Let’s now answer MAC 321: Photography and Photojournalism
1a. A picture is worth more than a thousand words. Explain this statement in relation to the news photograph.
The saying “A picture is worth a thousand words” means that a single image can convey complex messages, emotions, and stories better than a long written description. In news photography, this is especially true because photographs capture real-life moments and emotions that words alone might struggle to describe.
For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, a single photo of exhausted doctors in PPE or patients struggling to breathe told the world about the crisis more effectively than a long article. Similarly, during protests or war, a powerful photo of a crying child, a burning building, or people running for safety can immediately show the seriousness of the situation.
News photographs are powerful because they:
- Provide instant understanding – Readers can immediately see what is happening.
- Create emotional impact – People feel more connected to an issue when they see real images.
- Enhance credibility – Photos provide proof that the event actually happened.
This is why every newspaper and online media platform invests in photojournalism—to tell stories in a way that words alone cannot.
1b. What four things can a news photograph do for a publication?
A news photograph serves multiple purposes in a publication. Here are four key roles it plays:
- Attracts Attention – A striking image on the front page can make people stop and pick up the newspaper or click on an online article.
- Tells a Story – A single photo can summarize an entire event, helping readers understand the news quickly.
- Adds Credibility – Readers trust a news story more when they see real images from the scene.
- Evokes Emotions – A photo can make people feel sad, happy, angry, or inspired, depending on the subject.
For example, a photo of a collapsed building in an earthquake-hit area immediately shows the extent of the damage and suffering, making the news more impactful.
1c. Assuming a photograph is 8” wide and 4” deep, and the finished product is to be 4” wide, find the depth of the finished product.
To calculate the depth of the finished product, we use the proportionality formula: Original WidthNew Width=Original DepthNew Depth\frac{\text{Original Width}}{\text{New Width}} = \frac{\text{Original Depth}}{\text{New Depth}}
Given:
- Original width = 8 inches
- Original depth = 4 inches
- New width = 4 inches
Now, let x be the new depth: 84=4x\frac{8}{4} = \frac{4}{x}
Cross-multiplying: 8x=168x = 16 x=168=2 inchesx = \frac{16}{8} = 2 \text{ inches}
So, the new depth of the finished product is 2 inches.
2a. Photography functions properly with the law of optics and drawing. Explain.
Photography is based on the laws of optics, which deal with how light travels and interacts with surfaces. A camera works by using a lens to focus light onto a sensor (or film in older cameras), just like the human eye focuses light onto the retina.
The laws of optics help photographers control:
- Focus – Making an object appear sharp or blurred.
- Exposure – Controlling how much light enters the camera.
- Depth of Field – Deciding what part of the image stays in focus while the background is blurred.
Similarly, photography also follows drawing principles like composition, perspective, and balance to create visually appealing images. A well-taken photograph considers framing, symmetry, and subject positioning, just like an artist does in a painting.
2b. Differentiate between:
i) Tilting and Panning in Camera Operation
| Feature | Tilting | Panning |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Moving the camera up or down while keeping it in the same position. | Moving the camera side to side (left or right) while keeping it in the same position. |
| Purpose | Used to capture vertical movements, such as tall buildings or falling objects. | Used to follow moving subjects, like a running athlete or a moving car. |
| Example | Filming a plane taking off from the ground. | Following a football player running across the field. |
ii) Aperture and Diaphragm
| Feature | Aperture | Diaphragm |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The opening in the camera lens that controls how much light enters. | The part inside the lens that opens or closes to adjust the aperture size. |
| Function | Affects exposure and depth of field. | Physically controls the size of the aperture. |
| Example | A small aperture (f/16) makes everything sharp, while a large aperture (f/2.8) blurs the background. | The diaphragm’s blades adjust to make the aperture smaller or larger. |
iii) Photo Essay and Photo Sequence
| Feature | Photo Essay | Photo Sequence |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A collection of photos that tell a complete story. | A series of photos showing step-by-step actions. |
| Structure | Each photo contributes to a broader theme. | Photos must be arranged in a logical order. |
| Example | A set of pictures showing the impact of climate change on farmers. | A sequence showing how a footballer scores a goal. |
3a. The candid photograph is factual and unarranged and tells the story as it ought to be. Explain.
A candid photograph is a natural and unposed picture taken without the subject being aware. It is considered factual because it captures real-life moments as they happen, without editing or staging.
For example, a journalist covering a protest may take a candid photo of a policeman spraying tear gas at protesters. The photo tells the truth of the situation as it happened, unlike staged photographs, which may be manipulated to change the story.
Candid photography is important in photojournalism because:
- It preserves truth in news reporting.
- It shows genuine emotions and actions.
- It prevents manipulation, making the image more credible.
3b. Outline the similarities and dissimilarities between aware and semi-aware photographs.
Similarities:
- Both capture real-life events.
- Both involve human subjects.
- Both can be used in news reporting.
Dissimilarities:
| Feature | Aware Photograph | Semi-Aware Photograph |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A photo where the subject knows they are being photographed. | A photo where the subject may not fully know they are being captured. |
| Example | A celebrity posing for a picture at an event. | A person smiling naturally at a camera without realizing the photographer is about to take the shot. |
4a. Enumerate the steps involved in film development.
- Loading the Film – Place the film into a development tank in a dark room.
- Developing – Soak the film in a chemical solution to reveal the images.
- Stopping – Use another chemical to halt the developing process.
- Fixing – Apply a fixer to make the image permanent.
- Washing – Clean the film with water to remove excess chemicals.
- Drying – Hang the film to dry before printing the photographs.
4b. Write short notes on the following concepts:
- Depth of Field – The area in focus in a photograph.
- Angle of View – The range of a scene captured by a camera.
- Magnification – The process of making an image appear larger.
- Perspective – The way objects appear based on distance.
- F-Stop – A camera setting that controls the aperture size.