Shippensburg University

Search
Search
News
Multimedia
Sports
Ship Life
Opinion
Subscribe
Entertainment
Send a Tip
Podcasts
Donate

Shippensburg University

°
Full Forecast

Wednesday, July 2, 2025

The Slate

Subscribe

Print Edition

  • News
  • Opinion
  • Ship Life
  • Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Multimedia
  • Send a Tip
  • News
  • Sports
  • Opinion
  • Entertainment
  • Ship Life
  • Multimedia
  • Podcasts
  • Special Issues
  • Send a Tip
  • Donate
Search

Subscribe

 

5/8/2019, 12:00am

Commentary: Column not the same as article, contains opinion

By Jenna Wise

Share

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Mail
  • Print

Criticism of journalists is nothing new. This is why we at The Slate were not entirely surprised to face some of it ourselves this past week after releasing what was supposed to be our last issue of the year.

The Slate staff, however, decided to make one more issue after learning of multiple comments made about this organization within the last week. 

These comments, while vague in nature, insinuated that The Slate has caused divisiveness in some of its coverage and that we do not have all of the facts in our reporting.

In an interview, both the president and the interviewer referred to the column I wrote last week titled “SU fails to communicate truth of campus issues” as an “article.” This has compelled me to explain to all of you what a column is, and the important difference between this and news coverage.

A column is a commentary piece that uses facts to formulate an opinion — typically the perspective of one individual. “Your World Today” — which is in the news section — shares opinions on news related to some of the topics covered by that section. It is a column that was started by former editor-in-chief Troy Okum, and carried on by myself.

Each “Your World Today” column is preceded by the word “commentary” at the top of the piece. This same word precedes the headline with the online version, with the intent of informing readers before they even click on the link that what they are about to read is opinion.

Confusing the word “article” with an opinion piece is understandable if you are not familiar with journalism terms, but it also makes the line between commentary and straight reporting murkier.

I do not have a problem with people challenging my opinion; in fact, I welcome it. But it is an issue when people base criticism of The Slate around an opinion piece that is me simply sharing my perspective of the “Shippensburg University story.” If criticism is directed at anyone, it should only be toward me.

I am proud of the work The Slate staff has done this year, and I stand by the reporting and facts presented in these stories. I know that the staff will persevere, no matter what adversity is thrown its way.

Share



Related Stories

MSAQuilt_Jefferson.jpg

SU MSA director Diane Jefferson passes away at 72

By Evan Dillow

Shippensburg University student faces charges following assault in SU dorm

By Evan Dillow

DOGE spending cuts target AmeriCorps, impacting student volunteers and communities across the U.S.

By Evan Dillow


The Slate welcomes thoughtful discussion on all of our stories, but please keep comments civil and on-topic. Read our full guidelines here.


Most Popular


6/5/2025, 7:19pm

Shippensburg University student faces charges following assault in SU dorm

By Evan Dillow

6/27/2025, 2:32pm

SU MSA director Diane Jefferson passes away at 72


6/3/2025, 8:26am

The 2025 PSAC Championships leave the SU Women’s Track & Field team in fifth place



  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Work For Us
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Ship Life
  • Entertainment
  • Sports

All Rights Reserved

© Copyright 2025 The Slate

Powered by Solutions by The State News.