Many of the big debates in journalism have focused on the concept of objectivity - but what about those situations where journalists are tasked with writing opinion pieces? Op-ed pages, editorials and analysis columns all pose specific challenges to journalists' skills, knowledge and sense of responsibility.

This intensive, three-day, full-time workshop aims to equip writers at mid-career level and above to meet those challenges.

By the end of the course, participants will have completed discussions and practical exercises to help the following effectively under the pressure of tight deadlines:

• Identify topics and issues from the day's news suitable for op-ed treatment
• Generate original topics that will proactively raise public debate
• Write authoritatively about varied and novel topics
• Construct overviews
• Handle contentious political and social issues
• Structure arguments logically and frame them in clear, bright writing
• Identify and source supporting evidence for an argument or analysis
• Choose, plan and implement editorial campaigns
• Maintain professional standards while writing from a personal or organisational standpoint
The course is designed for experienced writers on newspapers or magazines tasked with, or aspiring towards, the writing of editorials, personal columns, criticism and analytical pieces.

It will also be useful for senior sub-editors who have to handle such columns.

Venue

Date: 10 November 2008 to 12 November 2008
Location: IAJ Offices, Johannesburg
More info: 9 Jubilee Road
IAJ Offices
Parktown

Contact: Mabatho Sekwala
Company name: Institute for the Advancement of Journalism (IAJ)
Telephone number: 27 11 484 1765
Email address print@iaj.org.za