What is the role of editors in news media today?

Question

Back when rocks were soft and the world wide web hadn't yet been invented, I worked on a college newspaper that, I was told, followed the same patterns as professional papers. (That is, the skills we learned doing this would transfer.) Between the journalist's story submission and the print copy stood an editor, who reviewed the story -- not just proofreading but assessing whether the research level was right, anything important had been missed, etc.Today, in the age of instant reporting on the Internet, where a delay of half an hour is significant, what is the role of the editor? Does that job function still exist for online news sites?(As you can surmise, I didn't end up going into journalism. But because I went into a different type of writing, I sometimes find myself talking with young folks considering writing careers and I realized I'm out of touch on this particular industry.)

Answer 1

There are several kinds of editors, each with their own responsibilities, but generally, editors play a crucial role in news media today by ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and fairness of the content produced. They serve as the gatekeepers of information, responsible for greenlighting pitches by staff writers and freelancers, and reviewing and revising stories before they are published or broadcasted. Editors work closely with photographers and reporters, providing guidance to shape the narrative and eliminate any biases or inaccuracies. They also play a vital role in upholding journalistic ethics and standards, helping to maintain the credibility and trust of the news organization.

Editors must navigate the rapidly changing media landscape, staying attuned to evolving news values, audience expectations, and technological advancements. In today's age of rapid information dissemination, many editors also bear the responsibility of verifying information and ensuring that only reliable, accurate, and verified news reaches the public. Additionally, editors serve as advocates for quality journalism, striving to produce compelling, informative, and balanced news stories that serve the interests of the audience and contribute to a well-informed society.

Answer 2

Thanks for this question. Unfortunately, I see it hasn’t received much attention. 

From my perspective as a mainstream news media reporter (CNN, AP, Gannett, McClatchy), I agree that there used to be a chain of gatekeepers in the form of robust copy editing desks. In fact, I attribute my strong writing skills today to being edited by some of the best newsroom editors out there. 

But as you know, massive downsizing and compression in news means less eyeballs on your copy. 

If you are interested in being an editor in today’s news media, first of all you should be aware that the opportunities have diminished like we’ve said. Also, the expectations are higher in terms of not just assigning stories but also editing for holes in reporting and attribution in addition to copy editing and proofreading, so you need to be able to juggle many levels of editing and be able to do it all. 

That said, I am an editor, copy editor and writing coach and enjoy very much working one/one with broadcast and print clients who are trying to improve their writing. It’s a real thrill when you feel your writing has gone to the next level. 

Feel free to be in touch if you’d like to chat more about the media industry. I’ve been in news for 25+ years and would love to help. 

Thank you. 

Jennifer