6.6 Careers in Print Media

editing 

editing means to plan the contents of the publication and to supervise its preparation. Newspapers have editors who should have sound knowledge of newspaper laws. They need to put forward innovative ideas and establish the style of the publication. Editors must be able to coordinate the efforts of a team. They must possess a sound knowledge of their market, and take the initiative in looking for new authors and new subjects. In very large newspapers, there are associate or assistant editors who are responsible for particular topics, such as sports, international news, local news, supplements, special pullouts, etc. Administrative duties of editors include hiring writers, planning budgets and negotiating contracts with freelance writers.

Newspapers also have a large number of sub-editors whose job is to give a final shape to the story submitted by a reporter. Sub-editors acts almost like a gate keeper editing, reformatting, objectively presenting each report, keeping in mind the general policy of the newspaper. They must be able to identify potential doubts, complications and mistakes in the text, inconsistencies or lack of adherence to the style of newspaper.

Reporting

reporting in newspapers and magazines means to file stories about local, state, national and international events; to present different view points on current issues and to monitor the actions of public officials and others who exercise power. Newspapers frequently station reporters known as correspondents in large cities and in other countries to prepare stories on major news events occurring in these locations.

Freelancing 

one can also work as a freelance journalist for newspapers and magazines. Freelancers are not the regular employees of the organization. They are paid according to each piece or article they write.

Writing columns

a newspaper appoints specialists for regular columns. Columnists, being assigned a column, have to keep contributing to the column on a regular basis.

Writing comments

well known people, who are authorities in their respective fields, are invited to write on topical issues in magazines or newspapers.

Drawing cartoons

a comical or satirical sketch on political, cultural events is the job of a cartoonist. While established cartoonists work for some big groups, others are generally free lancers.

Working as an artist 

illustrators and cartographers who specialize in maps and charts to illustrate data work in this medium.

Photojournalism 

photojournalism is an art to tell a story with pictures. People having an interest in photography with an ability to link it with a news story can work for newspapers and magazines as a photojournalist.

1. Associate

Editor

1. he / she is the key head who ensures consistency and continuity of the newspaper or magazine. The job of the editor is to present the newspaper in an attractive manner and assure that it is highly utilitarian. It also includes appointing juniors, writing the editorial section and leading the team.

2. Sub editor

2. it is the job of a key operator of a newspaper, magazine, news agency, radio or a TV channel which requires one to report with speed, clarity and accuracy.

Requirement: sense to recognize a story, objectivity.

3. Editor

3. he / she needs to direct the preparation of a section of the newspaper or magazine. Preparation of news, featured articles and critical reviews, planning the layout and assigning the reporters and photographers is the job.

Requirements: one needs to be aware and have the ability to write, edit and question constructively.

4. Proof

reader

4. it needs you to sort the contents of the material to be printed, rewriting the articles to make them suitable for the paper, improving the language and giving appropriate and attractive headlines.

Requirements: Imagination, understanding and sense of news.

5. Reporter

5. it involves choosing subjects and themes, conducting researches and assembling materials to write. There are also Feature writers who write detailed stories and commentaries on specific topics; and Leader writers, who express their ideas and views on news topics through editorial columns.

6. Correspondent / special reporter

6. he / she compares the proofs with the edited copy. It involves completing the final text accurately.

Requirements: detailed knowledge of grammar, spelling and punctuation.

7. Writer

7. it requires detailed knowledge in a single field like politics, economics, sports etc; along with the ability to interpret and explain the news on the basis of the awareness.