What triggers freelancers to write stories?
Freelancer Larry Fillo says he writes on issues or stories he feels other media haven’t covered with the same thoughts or facts he can provide.
“Why I feel interested in gun control is all the coverage … has been misleading or false or one-sided.” He added that sometimes journalists haven’t dealt with issues he felt they should.
Many writers feel strongly about particular issues. Sometimes their interest and previous involvement in a topic or organization stirs them to write a story about it.
Read Also
Proactive approach best bet with looming catastrophes
The Pan-Canadian Action Plan on African swine fever has been developed to avoid the worst case scenario — a total loss ofmarket access.
But what is a news story and what is an opinion piece?
A news story is fair, factual, balanced and should not include any bias of the writer. Viewpoints expressed in a news story are from sources quoted directly or paraphrased, and not those of the writer.
For example, reporters should refrain from using loaded phrases or words to describe a person or event. A bias, intentional or otherwise, can show in a story through choice of words, such as a “shrill” speaker.
An opinion piece reflects the views of the writer. It can be one-sided and may require little attribution. However, it must still meet such standards as truth, accuracy and absence of malice.
How else can the newspaper tell readers what is news and what is opinion?
By introducing writers with more information than “a freelance writer.” For example, if Fillo writes on the subject of guns, we will identify him as “a writer who specializes in firearms issues.”
