Editor

What does an editor do?

The editor is the person who is ultimately responsible for the overall performance of a publication, supervising everything from the quality of the writing and the type of stories covered, to the publication's financial and personal management and administration. The editor chooses which issues will be covered and which stories and photographs will be printed. Waikato Times editor Bryce Johns says editors "drive the news". They set priorities, direct their staff in the pursuit of news and ensure each person's work is consistent with the editorial position of the publication. Such a position comes with significant responsibilities as the editor occupies a crucial role in the process of communication between the public, community agencies and the publication.

What skills are needed?

Editors are responsible for the quality of writing in their publication; they have final say over grammar, spelling, style and tone. They need to rapidly evaluate the quality of each item and offer feedback if it is not up to the level they require, all while meeting tight deadlines. Flexibility and adaptability is vital; coverage of major events must be planned for but editors must also be ready to adapt quickly and direct the coverage of unexpected events.

The editor is a business manager as well as a journalist and must therefore draw on a wide range of organizational and personal skills. The editor coordinates the work of his or her staff (reporters, researchers, photographers, designers, sales representatives and publishers), but as the public face of their publication, must also liaise with members of an external community (general public, government agencies, the business community, other media outlets). They must be aware of the interests and attitudes of their readership and be prepared to defend their publication from criticism and to justify the editorial stance it has taken on any given topic.

Is there specific training for editors?

Though editors generally learn on the job, working their way up from reporting to editing, your time studying at Waikato University is an excellent opportunity to ensure you have a solid grounding in fundamental research, writing and communication skills (English Studies, Management Communication), and an understanding of the role of the media in today's society (Screen and Media Studies). In addition there will be opportunities in all departments to explore more specific issues such as media ethics, politics and the media, media and public relations, global media and digital media.

What career opportunities will I have?

As a journalist you may start in a smaller publication which will allow you to experience a wider range of editorial duties. In larger papers, specialist editors will be appointed for specific sections or topics, such as sport or business. Work in editorial positions will allow you to consistently develop and demonstrate excellent technical, organizational and communication skills. Such skills are in high demand in the majority of media, corporate and governmental industries, and will ensure that a wide and attractive range of career paths will be available to you.

For more information see:
http://www.careers.govt.nz/default.aspx?id0=103&id1=J11620

Thanks to Bryce Johns
Editor, Waikato Times

See Also:

Graduate Profiles
Guidelines and Requirements for the BA
Guidelines and Requirements for the BCS