Going Public: Editorial Memoranda and Editorial Board Meetings

A newspaper’s editorial page is among the most widely read and influential sections in the paper. To advocate for an issue or position that you and/or your organization support, you can write an editorial memorandum to the editors and writers at the editorial page, asking them to devote space to that issue or position. Researchers and other experts sometimes send an editorial memorandum either before or soon after the release of their study or an organizational milestone.

Here are some tips on preparing an editorial memorandum:

• Review any editorials the outlet has already run on the topic, and be sure your memorandum contributes a new angle or point of view. (Otherwise, your resources will be better devoted elsewhere.)
• Keep the memorandum brief—outline your three strongest arguments in no more than a few sentences each.
• Lay out the broad themes you hope to see reflected in an editorial, supporting those themes with specific facts.
• Specify why an editorial on this subject is timely: e.g., an upcoming event, the release of a report, pending legislation, etc.
• Spell out your credentials on the issue.

You might ask for an editorial board meeting on an issue related to your work, if your study or organization is being covered or debated in the news regularly. The editorial board determines policy for the newspaper’s editorial pages and writes the editorials. These boards routinely gather to hear from outside experts and advocates in order to decide whether to write an editorial, or which editorial stance to take on an issue. You don’t have to advocate a policy position to make the meeting worthwhile for the board (or yourself). Sharing facts related to the issue can be equally valuable.

Some tips for successful editorial board meetings:

• These meetings may be difficult to schedule. Call the editorial page editor and inquire whether a meeting can be arranged, and prepare to be flexible in scheduling it. You might suggest that the board invite to the meeting the reporter who covers your field.
• Prepare thoroughly for the amount of time you are allotted (usually 15–20 minutes). Prepare your answers to likely questions, including difficult questions.
• Assemble a diverse group (three or four people) to meet with the editorial board, with each person having different expertise related to the subject area.
• Choose one person to serve as the primary spokesperson; he or she will introduce the issue and help guide the discussion if needed. Be sure to provide a packet containing information that your presentation does not cover, along with your contact information.

For more communications resources, visit the “Resources” section at RWJFLeaders.org.