Modern News Editing: Chapter 4

Some of the information in chapter four, “Editors as Managers,” related back to thoughts I had about a previous chapter in regards to the importance of praise within a news organization.

A section of chapter four expounded upon this idea by discussing the importance of staff evaluations. It talked about how they can be used appropriately to better the work of staff members in a positive way, instead of being that dreaded thing that happens once a year. One really important thing the book said about evaluation is that “it should be a continuing process” (63). I believe this to be true, and I think it emphasizes the main theme of this chapter: An editor must always strive to develop the talents and potential within their staff in order to produce the best quality publication.

In this way, I think it is true that editors should also be considered coaches. They need to know where it is they want their publication to go, and then find out the best ways to motivate their employees so that they can do their best work, which will ultimately head the paper in the desired direction it needs to go.

And, I think that it is important to discuss the direction and goals of the paper with your staff. Reporters, photographers, and artists will feel more motivated if they know they are part of team working for the same goal. Also, they will feel invested in the paper because they know that their thoughts and decisions are valued. According to the book, “the publication then becomes ‘our newspaper’ or ‘our Website,’ not merely ‘the paper’ or ‘the site’” (62). Thirdly, another benefit (I suppose it could be called that) of all staff having an understanding of the goal of the paper (as well as the desired writing style, etc.) is that it can make it easier for staff to decide if this is indeed the right publication for them to be working on. This is because I believe the organization (and its goals, style, etc.) have to mesh well with the works own goals, values, and style in order for them to do the best work.

Along the same lines, I think that any reporter, photographer, artist, or other staff member needs to understand that they will not end up in their desired section or beat over night. They are going to have to prove to their editors that they are capable of handling such tasks by adequately performing what tasks are given to them, even if those stories or assignments are perhaps less than desirable.

Similarly, though, an editor needs to listen to the concerns and thoughts of an employee and recognize when their talent could be better put to use, perhaps covering stories in another section or taking a crack at a beat they have always wanted to try. They also need to consider assigning a different type of story or a different beat to a reporter whose writing may have been slipping lately. This could be just what he or she needed to get out of a rut.

All in all, what this comes down to is that communication is key in any newsroom. Staffers need to know that they can come to their editor with thoughts, ideas, and concerns without fear of being criticized or rebuked. Also, editors need to monitor what is happening in the newsroom to assess what, if any, changes need to made for the betterment of the staff, and in turn, the organization as a whole.