Strategies for Composing and Sending a Debate Article

Strategies for Composing and Sending a Debate Article

In the world of journalism, the circulation ranks of various newspapers reveal some of the most influential platforms for opinion pieces, also known as op-eds. Here's a look at the top contenders, starting with the highest circulation:

1. USA Today: 1,621,091
2. The Wall Street Journal: 1,011,200
3. The New York Post: 426,129
4. The New York Times: 483,701
5. Newsday: 251,473
6. The Boston Globe: 230,756
7. The Los Angeles Times: 417,936
8. The Chicago Tribune: 238,103
9. The Star Tribune (Minneapolis): 251,822
10. The Washington Post: 254,379

When it comes to sharing thought leadership, Syracuse University's media relations team plays a crucial role in helping faculty pitch their ideas to news media based on their scholarship or research interests. The team provides strategic communication support to translate these interests into compelling narratives suitable for public audiences.

Best Practices for Writing and Pitching Academic Op-Eds

While Syracuse University's specific media relations practices for op-eds may not be detailed in the provided results, general best practices for writing and pitching academic thought leadership op-eds include the following tips:

1. Focus on a clear, timely, and relevant issue: Connect your expertise to a topic that resonates with current public discourse.
2. Use accessible, jargon-free language: Make complex research understandable and engaging for a general audience.
3. Frame the op-ed with a strong argument or insight: Offer a new perspective or actionable solutions.
4. Keep the length concise: Typically, op-eds should be between 600-800 words.
5. Start the pitch with why the op-ed matters now: Highlight the relevance and connection to the outlet's readers.
6. Provide author credentials: Establish credibility by listing prior publications.

Faculty can work closely with media relations or communications offices to tailor pitches, polish drafts, and leverage media contacts to place op-eds in influential publications.

Contacting Syracuse University's Media Relations Team

When considering authoring an op-ed, it's essential to contact the media relations team at Syracuse University for assistance. You can reach them at [email protected].

Individual contacts within the team include:

• Daryl Lovell ([email protected])
• Chris Munoz ([email protected])
• Vanessa Marquette ([email protected])
• Ellen James Mbuqe ([email protected])
• Keith Kobland ([email protected])

Submission Guidelines and Best Practices

The process of submitting an op-ed is a combination of art and science, with expectations needing to be managed due to the competitive nature of the field. Here are some additional tips to keep in mind:

• Submissions need to be exclusive to one media outlet: Each op-ed must be offered exclusively to one media outlet at a time.
• Some newspapers ask for a high-resolution image along with the op-ed submission: Be prepared to provide one if required.
• Many publications prefer the author to submit their own op-eds: However, the media relations team can help find the right editors to contact.
• Proper processing time must be taken into consideration for op-ed submissions: Allow enough time for the outlet to review and respond to your submission.
• There is a nuance with each media outlet, and certain circumstances may require submission by the author: Be flexible and adaptable to each outlet's specific requirements.

Op-Ed Submission Resources

The Op-Ed Project offers a site for access to regional and national publications for op-ed submissions. Additionally, most newspapers and commentary sites post guidelines and addresses for submitting op-eds electronically.

By following these best practices and reaching out to Syracuse University's media relations team, faculty members can effectively share their thought leadership with a wider audience through op-eds in influential publications.

1. Aiming to broaden the reach of thought leadership, faculty members can benefit from education and self-development in op-ed writing and pitching by focusing on accessible, jargon-free language, establishing credibility with prior publications, and following the provided best practices.
2. In addition to leveraging Syracuse University's media relations team for assistance in tailoring pitches, polishing drafts, and establishing connections with influential publications, faculty members should also educate themselves on best practices and submit op-eds to a wide array of outlets, such as those listed on the Op-Ed Project's website for access to regional and national publications.

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