In Thursday's Our View, The Daily discussed our focus on reader interaction. And nowhere is this commitment stronger than on the opinion page, where we provide diverse views from all members of the OU community.
Generally, newspapers have two separate and distinct areas of coverage, and both are of equal importance.
The first and larger is news coverage, in this case, the campus, entertainment and sports sections. These sections contain objective, informative pieces that cover the day's events as well as trends and issues in the community.
The second area of the paper is a vibrant and well-informed opinion section.
Like all newspapers, The Daily has an editorial vision for its community. An opinion page is intended to evoke thought on the part of both those who write for it and those who read it.
Those who work at The Daily, just like reporters and editors at any newspaper, are some of the most informed members of the community. As such, every day we use this 500-word piece of the paper to tell you our take on what's happening on campus, or in the lives of OU students.
Our Views are decided at meetings of The Daily's editorial board, which consists of our paper's editorial staff and three representatives from The Daily's general staff.
This semester, Our Views will focus on local issues that directly affect students and other members of the local community. We pledge to address these issues in an intelligent, informed and interesting way.
A newspaper's place in its community is many fold.
First and foremost, a newspaper is an outlet of objective information. It serves a watchdog role for its readers, guarding against corruption in the institutions in the community. A paper represents those who may not have a voice in the larger community.
Finally, a newspaper should represent the collective conscious of a community, not just the attitudes and perspectives of a select few. The newspaper should cover the entire community, and all voices should be represented on its opinion page.
As has been recognized throughout history, the continuation of democracy and a free, functioning press go hand in hand.
We always want to know if you feel we are achieving our admittedly lofty goals. Please, let us know what you think by posting feedback on www.oudaily.com, or by sending us a letter to the editor.
Without feedback from its community, a newspaper can't possibly fulfill its role.
hello there & you too