|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Tom Germond
Taking a stand
By TOM GERMOND
Article published on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2007 |
You may have noticed some changes on our Viewpoints pages this week; we’ve become more opinionated.
Starting this week, Tampa Bay Newspapers will be running editorials in its papers, on the top left corner of page 6. The editorials represent the opinion of the newspapers, and they will be written by one of the members of our editorial board.
In keeping with the standards and policies at many newspapers, the editorials will not be signed, simply because the editorials are supposed to represent the newspaper’s views – not just one editor’s.
The editorial board consists of the five editors of our newspapers; we will meet informally from time to time, discuss ideas and, hopefully, come to an agreement on what positions we will take – without killing each other. Each editor will have opportunities to write editorials.
I strongly believe that editorials help bolster a newspaper’s credibility and help convey the perception that the newspaper is serious about stimulating discussion on key issues affecting its communities. As assistant editor of a twice weekly newspaper in Osceola County for 22 years, I wrote editorials weekly and learned quickly that good editorials increase readership.
Of course, we welcome letters to the editor, pro or con, in response to editorials – same goes for columns, news stories or anything published in our newspapers.
Editorials will range from opinions on projects, taxes, public officials’ conduct, growth issues, crime, school district matters, legislative issues, outstanding organizations, programs and individuals. Whether we are liberal or conservative is up for readers to decide. We recognize that one of the pitfalls of writing editorials is that we will be given labels – rightfully or wrongfully. So be it.
We will take stands on issues, such as we have in this week’s papers, but we will not endorse candidates. There are too many candidates and races for us to take on such an important responsibility and do it justice.
The editorials are not intended to replace the columns written by our editors. We believe that having a variety of columns and editorials enlivens our Viewpoints pages, and we welcome suggestions for topics.
Planning and writing editorials takes time. But we think editorials will augment our efforts to serve our readers and help prove that we have the best community newspapers you’d ever want to read.
Tom Germond is executive editor of Tampa Bay Newspapers.
|
Article published on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2007
Copyright © Tampa Bay Newspapers: All rights reserved. |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Tampa Bay Newspapers
9911 Seminole Blvd.
Seminole, FL 33772
(727) 397-5563
Open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
|
|
