EDITORIALS

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Certificates Sponsored by C & S Media Publications

Division 1
Dailies 5,865 Circulation and Above

1. The Paris News

“Excellent subject matter and local significance. 1. Fire metaphor is effective in lead grafs and ending. 2. We agree wholeheartedly with the thrust of the editorial. The paper is wise to champion such an important issue to the local citizenry.”

2. The Lufkin Daily News

“Excellent quality and local significance. We noticed both editorials begin with ‘It may be’ or ‘It may not be.’ Seems rather tentative. 1. Strong editorial about what should be done to plan for future hurricanes. Major points are well supported. 2. This editorial was a bit repetitive — ‘good news that Rowe will never wear a badge again’ is the third and last grafs.”

3. Texarkana Gazette

“Excellent quality and local significance. 1. Very strong editorial about a potentially volatile issue. The paper came down on the side of right and painted a sickening picture of a heinous crime. Some good writing here. 2. A bit wordier and less plain speaking than No. 1, but still a strong stance on an important topic.”

4. The Terrell Tribune

“Excellent local significance. 1. Excellent, clear, plain speaking editorial that brings home the importance of compassion. 2. A worthy cause to champion. This editorial is wordier and harder to read than No. 1, but it’s a more complicated issue.”

Division 2
Dailies Circulation Up to 5,864

1. Ennis Daily News

“Excellent local significance. 1. An explanation of HB3 higher in the editorial would have helped clarify the issues. The writer took a strong stand on the subject and raised important questions about what a legislator’s ultimate responsibility should be. 2. Thoughtful and plain speaking. Did the first editorial play a role in changing Rep. Pitts’ mind? Surely it brought the issue to the public’s attention and raised questions about ‘business as usual’ in Austin.”

2. Waxahachie Daily Light

“Excellent local significance. 1. A compassionate, friendly editorial that highlights the best characteristics of human nature. 2. An issue that hits readers in the pocketbook always makes a good read — and this editorial is clear and readable. We like the clean look of these columns, too.”

3. Athens Daily Review

“1. Interesting use of Harry Potter craze to highlight kids’ detachment from the real world around them. We wish the headline had been stronger, playing off the theme of magic versus reality. 2. A worthwhile topic, but the treatment was so short and simplistic that it left us wanting more.”

4. Henderson Daily News

“1. Too short and general. What exactly did the youth show do to promote strong values? What are some examples from the 800+ entries? 2. Again, the editorial would have benefitted from some specific examples. What sorts of unique shopping does Rusk County offer? What makes it different?”

Division 3
Semi-Weeklies

1. Wise County Messenger (Decatur)

“Excellent quality and local significance. 1. Well written and well reasoned. 2. The writer’s personality shines through as he takes his shots and makes his points. Very readable and yet it tackles an important subject of local interest.”

2. The Gatesville Messenger

“1. Strong points about a significant subject. The writer’s style is readable. 2. We liked the personal touch.”

3. Hood County News (Granbury)

“Good clean, readable look on these pages. 1. One of the better-reasoned editorials we’ve read about the DeLay debacle. 2. Good subject but the length didn’t do it justice. How about some examples to support your statement? We wanted more.”

4. Burleson Star

“1. This struck us as more of a column than an editorial. It doesn’t really voice an opinion or offer much beyond the vignettes of raising seven kids (which is significant, of course). 2. A slice of local life. Readers like to read about animals, but this seemed like a lot of space devoted to the lab. And what is the point? We wished the column had called for something to prevent these tragedies — stronger leash laws, more money for animal control, etc.”

Division 4
Weeklies 2,600 Circulation and Above

1. Azle News

“Excellent quality and local significance. 1. Plain speaking editorial takes a strong stand on an issue important to the public. Good use of the exact citation from the law, with key words in bold face., 2. Well written, clear and easy to read.”

2. The Wylie News

“Good local issue. Unusual creative approach.”

3. Tri-County Leader (Whitehouse)

“1. Clear and well written. The italic font is a bit hard to read. Why not use regular type? 2. Some specific details, figures or examples would have helped make stronger points.”

4. Cedar Creek Pilot (Gun Barrel City)

“1. Wordy and passive-voice lead, but the subject is a good one. 2. Seems like much ado about nothing. The paper is right to defend grant. Good editing.”

Division 5
Weeklies 1,501 Circulation to 2,599

1. The Springtown Epigraph

“1. Clear and direct. 2. Good writing and good endings.”

2. Rockwall County News

“1. Short, but makes its point succinctly. 2. Short paragraphs keep this very readable.”

3. The McGregor Mirror

“1. Good election preview. 2. More of a rah-rah community column than an editorial.”

4. The Farmersville Times

“1. We applaud the subject. Short and direct writing approach. 2. Nice. That’s about all we can say. A no-brainer.”

Division 6
Weeklies Up to 1,500 Circulation

1. South Tarrant Star (Everman)

“Good quality. Good subject matter.”