Want to be an opinion writer? First, learn how to report

Local op-eds and Substack can both help you get started. What matters more is learning how to do the work.

The ethics rules at most mainstream newsrooms create an odd dichotomy: Journalists are some of the most well-read and informed people in the world, and yet we generally are not allowed to use that knowledge to openly advocate for candidates, policies or other political causes. We do not put campaign posters in our front yards. We can’t share an online petition advocating for a local policy or go door-knocking to persuade our neighbors to vote for our preferred candidates.

There is one notable exception. Opinion writers get paid to share their beliefs, shape public discourse, rip into public officials and advocate for outcomes.