Op-Ed AssignmentMedia Law & Ethics

Overview

● 600-word piece on timely, controversial issue related to

media law or media ethics.

● Use proper grammar and spelling. Proofread.

● Write in third person (don’t say, “I feel” or “I think”)

● Cite sources within article. Don’t use footnotes or

parenthetical citations. Instead, “According to a 2016

study by Pew Research Center” or “Jaden Jones, a

lawyer with the American Civil Liberties Union, told CNN

….”

What to include

● Take a position - don’t be wishy-washy

● Provide a little bit (just a little) of background. Connect it to

current events -- i.e. why is this timely? What’s happening

now related to this.

● Support your position with evidence (statistics, surveys,

studies, expert quotes, examples)

● Acknowledge arguments against/other side - and explain

why your side is better

Step-by-Step Process

1. Watch video lecture and carefully read instructions on Blackboard.

2. Pick topic.

3. Get my approval.

4. Research. Find timely examples and evidence to support your opinion.

5. Write op-ed

6. Proofread. Proofread again

7. Email me op-ed by Jan. 20

8. You’ll receive feedback from me

9. Make revisions.

10.Email revised op-ed tp newspaper and CC or BCC me by Jan. 26.