James,
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Tail end editorial - a short statement of opinion at the end of a factual news story.
Negative tail end editorial - a short negative statement of opinion at the end of a factual news story.
Positive tail end editorial - a short positive statement of opinion at the end of a factual news story.
This is common on local television news programs. Anchor requesting on scene reporter's opinion of the big fire's severity. "It is the worst fire this reporter has see in many years." The other reporter covered a much worst fire last week, but the current reporter didn't see it. A relatively harmless and accurate opinion. Makes the news interesting.
National News entered the editorial business during the Viet Nam War. It was motivated by the press corp trying to understand the youthful revolt against the war. The press was heavily populated by WW II reporters who had personal difficulty understanding the revolt. They developed a strong need to understand and educate their older viewers on the youthful revolt. It then became acceptable for reporters from the battle areas to report facts in a negative fashion, or do a negative tail end editorial on a factual report.
After the Viet Nam War, tail end editorials to explain the story became more acceptable. They are now a staple of the media in general. For example, on the scene reporter reports facts on screen. Anchor then asks reporter for opinion. Reporter gives opinion. Opinion is remembered more then facts. The scene can be Congressional hearing, White House, local fire, or big storm. Watch the news with this in mind, and see it in action.
Involved with the press many years ago, and read several articles on the subject since that time. I got tail end edited and didn't know at the time.
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