Paper IV Editing:

Concepts, Processes and Techniques

Editing is a crucial component of journalism and news writing. It involves reviewing,

revising, and refining written material to ensure that it is accurate, clear, concise, and
engaging. The primary goal of editing is to enhance the readability and credibility of news
stories, and to ensure that they meet the standards of quality and ethics expected in the
field of journalism.

The process of editing typically involves several stages, including:

Content editing: This involves reviewing the content of the story, ensuring that it is
accurate, relevant, and engaging. The editor may suggest changes or additions to improve
the flow and coherence of the story.

Copyediting: This involves reviewing the language and structure of the story, ensuring that
it is grammatically correct, and that it adheres to the publication's style guide.

Fact-checking: This involves verifying the accuracy of the information presented in the
story, including names, dates, and statistics.

Headline and caption writing: This involves crafting attention-grabbing headlines and
captions that accurately reflect the content of the story.

The significance of editing in journalism and news writing cannot be overstated. A well-
edited story can make the difference between a credible and engaging piece of journalism
and a piece that is confusing or even misleading. Editing helps to ensure that news stories
are accurate, fair, and balanced, and that they adhere to the principles of ethical
journalism. It also helps to maintain the credibility and reputation of the publication, as well
as the journalist who authored the piece. In short, editing is an essential component of the

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news writing process, and it is crucial for producing high-quality journalism that informs,
educates, and engages readers.

Difference between newspaper/ radio and TV copy editing

Newspaper, radio, and TV copy editing are all important aspects of the
journalism industry, but they differ in significant ways. Here are some of the
key differences between these three types of copy editing:

Writing style: Each medium has its own unique writing style. Newspapers tend
to have a more formal and structured writing style, while radio and TV copy
often use more conversational language. Radio and TV copy also tend to be
more concise, as they need to fit within specific time constraints.

Editing process: The editing process for each medium also differs. Newspaper
editing typically involves several stages, including content editing, copy editing,
fact-checking, and headline writing. Radio and TV copy editing, on the other
hand, often happens in real-time, with producers or editors making changes on
the fly during live broadcasts.

Presentation: The presentation of news stories also differs across mediums.

Newspapers present news stories through the written word, while radio and TV
rely on audio and video presentations. This means that copy editors for radio
and TV must ensure that the scripts they are editing will translate well to an
audio or visual medium.

Timeliness: Newspapers often have a 24-hour turnaround time for stories, while
radio and TV copy needs to be produced and broadcasted in real-time. This

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means that radio and TV copy editors need to work quickly and efficiently to
ensure that stories are accurate, concise, and engaging.

Audience: The audiences for each medium also differ. Newspapers often have a
more niche audience, while radio and TV broadcasts can reach a wider
demographic. This means that copy editors for each medium need to be aware
of their target audience and ensure that their stories are written and edited
accordingly.

In summary, while there are some similarities in the copy editing process
across different mediums, the differences between newspaper, radio, and TV
copy editing are significant. Each medium has its own unique writing style,
editing process, presentation, timeliness, and audience, and copy editors need
to be aware of these differences when editing news stories.

Editors face a range of challenges when it comes to producing high-quality

journalism that is accurate, fair, and balanced. Three of the most significant
challenges that editors must navigate are bias, slants, and pressures.

Bias: Bias is a significant challenge for editors, as it can undermine the

credibility and objectivity of journalism. Bias can take many forms, including
political, cultural, or personal biases. Editors must be aware of their own biases
and work to ensure that they do not influence the reporting or editing process.
They must also be vigilant in identifying and correcting bias in the work of their
reporters or contributors.

Slants: A slant is a deliberate or unintentional bias in the presentation of a

story that reflects a particular point of view or agenda. Slants can be difficult to
identify, especially when they are subtle or disguised as objective reporting.

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Editors must be vigilant in identifying and addressing slants in their reporters'
work, and ensure that all sides of a story are fairly represented.

Pressures: Editors may face pressures from various sources, including

advertisers, politicians, or other stakeholders who may attempt to influence the
editorial content of a publication. Editors must be prepared to resist these
pressures and maintain the independence and integrity of their publication.
They must also balance the need to be responsive to their audience and
stakeholders with the need to produce high-quality journalism that meets
ethical and professional standards.

Overall, editors face a range of challenges when it comes to producing high-

quality journalism that is accurate, fair, and balanced. By being vigilant in
identifying and addressing bias and slants, and resisting pressures that may
compromise their editorial independence, editors can ensure that their
publications maintain the credibility and trust of their audiences.

The editorial structure of newspapers, magazines, news agencies,

radio, and TV can vary depending on the size and focus of the
organization. Here are some general differences in the editorial
structure of these different types of media:

Newspapers:

Editor-in-Chief: responsible for overseeing the overall content and direction of

the publication.
Managing Editor: responsible for managing the editorial team and ensuring that
stories are produced on time and to a high standard.
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Section Editors: responsible for overseeing specific sections of the newspaper,
such as sports, business, or politics.
Reporters: responsible for researching and writing news stories.

Magazines:

Editor-in-Chief: responsible for overseeing the overall content and direction of

the publication.
Managing Editor: responsible for managing the editorial team and ensuring that
stories are produced on time and to a high standard.
Department Editors: responsible for overseeing specific departments of the
magazine, such as fashion, travel, or culture.
Writers: responsible for researching and writing articles.

News Agencies:

Editor-in-Chief: responsible for overseeing the overall content and direction of

the agency.
News Editors: responsible for selecting and editing stories for distribution to
media outlets.
Reporters: responsible for researching and writing news stories.

Radio:

News Director: responsible for overseeing the overall news programming of the
station.
Editors: responsible for selecting and editing news stories for broadcast.
Reporters: responsible for researching and reporting news stories.

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Television:

News Director: responsible for overseeing the overall news programming of the
station.
Assignment Editors: responsible for assigning stories to reporters and crews.
Producers: responsible for overseeing the production of news stories, including
scripting and editing.
Reporters: responsible for researching and reporting news stories.

Overall, while the specific roles and responsibilities may vary between
different types of media, the editorial structure is designed to ensure that
stories are produced to a high standard, and that the content meets the needs
and interests of the audience.

The editorial hierarchy of a media organization generally includes

multiple levels of editors, writers, and other professionals who work
together to produce high-quality content. Here is a breakdown of the
editorial hierarchy and the job functions of various functionaries:

Editor-in-Chief: The Editor-in-Chief is the topmost position in the editorial

hierarchy. This individual is responsible for overseeing the entire content of the
publication and ensuring that the publication's mission is being fulfilled. The
Editor-in-Chief sets editorial policies, approves story assignments, and manages
the editorial budget.

Managing Editor: The Managing Editor works closely with the Editor-in-Chief
to oversee the day-to-day operations of the publication. This individual assigns

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and edits stories, coordinates with other editors, and supervises the work of
writers and reporters.

Section Editors: Section Editors are responsible for overseeing specific

sections of the publication, such as news, sports, entertainment, and features.
They assign stories to writers, edit articles for accuracy and style, and work with
other editors to ensure that the section's content is cohesive and relevant to
readers.

Writers and Reporters: Writers and reporters are responsible for researching
and producing content for the publication. They may be assigned to a particular
section or cover a wide range of topics. They pitch story ideas, conduct
interviews, and write articles that meet the publication's standards for accuracy,
style, and tone.

Copy Editors: Copy editors review articles for grammar, spelling, punctuation,
and style. They ensure that articles are written in a consistent voice and that
they adhere to the publication's style guide. They also fact-check articles to
ensure accuracy.

Proof-readers: Proof-readers review articles for errors that may have been
missed by the copy editors. They look for typos, missing words, and other
mistakes that could affect the clarity of the article.

Graphic Designers and Illustrators: Graphic designers and illustrators

create visual elements to accompany articles. They may design infographics,
charts, and other visual aids that help readers understand complex information.
They work with editors and writers to ensure that visual elements are
appropriate for the content and enhance the reader's experience.

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Overall, the editorial hierarchy of a media organization is designed to ensure
that content is produced to a high standard and meets the needs and interests
of the audience. Each functionary plays a critical role in this process, working
together to produce content that informs, educates, and entertains readers.

The news desk is an essential part of any media organization. It is

responsible for gathering, selecting, and editing news stories for
publication or broadcast. Here is a breakdown of the functioning of a
news desk:

Gathering News: The first step in the functioning of the news desk is
gathering news from a variety of sources. This may include wire services, press
releases, social media, and other news outlets. The news desk may also assign
reporters to cover specific events or stories.

Selecting Stories: Once the news has been gathered, the news desk must
decide which stories to cover. They consider factors such as timeliness,
relevance, and interest to the audience. The news desk may also consider the
resources available for covering a story, such as the availability of reporters and
photographers.

Assigning Reporters: After selecting the stories to cover, the news desk
assigns reporters to cover the stories. Reporters may be assigned to cover
breaking news events, conduct interviews, or gather information for a feature
story. The news desk may also coordinate with other departments, such as
graphics or multimedia, to ensure that the story is covered in a comprehensive
way.

Editing Stories: Once reporters have filed their stories, the news desk editors
review them for accuracy, style, and tone. The editors may also suggest changes
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or additions to the story to improve clarity or to ensure that the story meets the
publication's standards. The news desk may also fact-check stories to ensure
that the information presented is accurate.

Preparing Stories for Publication or Broadcast: After the stories have

been edited, the news desk prepares them for publication or broadcast. This
may involve formatting the stories, adding headlines or captions, and selecting
images or video to accompany the story. The news desk may also coordinate
with other departments, such as layout or broadcast production, to ensure that
the story is presented in the most effective way.

Distributing Stories: Finally, the news desk distributes the stories to the
appropriate channels for publication or broadcast. This may include printing the
stories in a newspaper or magazine, uploading them to a website, or
broadcasting them on radio or television.

Role of Gatekeepers
In the world of journalism and media, gatekeepers are individuals or
organizations that control the flow of news and information to the
public. These gatekeepers play a crucial role in shaping public opinion
and informing the public about important events and issues.

 One of the key responsibilities of gatekeepers is to edit and curate news

content to ensure that it is accurate, reliable, and balanced. This involves
reviewing news stories, fact-checking information, and verifying sources
to ensure that the information being presented is true and not
misleading.

 Gatekeepers also have a responsibility to prioritize news stories and

decide which stories are the most important to cover. They must

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 consider factors such as the relevance of the story, its impact on the
public, and the potential consequences of not reporting on it.

 Another important role of gatekeepers is to ensure that news coverage is

fair and unbiased. This means that they must avoid favoring one
perspective or point of view over another and must strive to present all
sides of an issue in an objective manner.

 Gatekeepers must also consider the ethical implications of their

decisions. They must balance the public's right to know with the need to
respect privacy and avoid causing harm to individuals or groups.

 In summary, gatekeepers play a crucial role in the flow of news and

information to the public. They are responsible for editing and curating
news content, prioritizing news stories, ensuring fair and unbiased
coverage, and considering the ethical implications of their decisions.

NEWS SOURCES
News channels obtain news from a variety of sources, including:

 Wire services: News agencies such as Associated Press (AP), Reuters,

and Agence France-Presse (AFP) provide news updates and feature
stories from around the world to news channels.
 News bureaus: News channels often have their own correspondents
and reporters stationed in different cities and countries, who provide on-
the-ground coverage of events.
 Press releases: Organizations and government agencies often issue
press releases to the media, which news channels can use as a source of
information.

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  Social media: News channels may monitor social media platforms such
as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to gather news and gauge public
sentiment on current events.
 Interviews: News channels may conduct interviews with experts,
politicians, and eyewitnesses to gather information and provide analysis
on news events.
 News conferences: Government officials and public figures often hold
news conferences to announce news or provide updates on events,
which news channels may cover.
 Other news outlets: News channels may also monitor and report on
stories covered by other news outlets to provide a more comprehensive
view of events.

There are many sources of news available to individuals today,

including traditional media outlets such as newspapers, television,
and radio, as well as online sources such as news websites, social
media platforms, and blogs. Here are some common sources of news:

Newspapers: Newspapers are one of the oldest sources of news, and they
continue to be an important source of news today. Many newspapers have both
print and online editions, and they cover local, national, and international news.

Television: Television news is a popular source of news for many people, with
many channels providing 24-hour news coverage. Major news networks include
CNN, BBC, and Al Jazeera.

Radio: Radio news provides a convenient and accessible way for people to stay
informed while on the go. Many radio stations offer news bulletins throughout
the day, as well as dedicated news programs.

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News websites: There are many news websites available online, providing up-
to-date news coverage from around the world. Popular news websites include
CNN, BBC News, Reuters, and The New York Times.

Social media: Social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook have
become important sources of news for many people. Users can follow news
organizations and journalists, and share and discuss news stories with their
friends and followers.

Blogs: Blogs written by journalists, experts, and enthusiasts can provide a

unique perspective on current events and news topics. While not always as
reliable as traditional news sources, blogs can provide a valuable source of
analysis and commentary.

Overall, the availability of news sources has greatly expanded with the rise of
the internet and social media, providing individuals with a wide range of options
for staying informed.

The Role of Copy Editing in News Flow in Media

Organizations

Introduction:

In media organizations, news stories flow from the reporter or writer to the
editor through a channel.
Copy refers to the manuscript filed by the reporter or writer, which passes
through gatekeepers who ensure it conforms to organizational standards.
Personal, socio-economic, political, and religious factors guide the copy flow
chain.
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The News Flow:

 Intermediaries between an event and readers in newspapers and

magazines are gatekeepers.
 Copy can flow from reporter to deputy political editor to political editor to
deputy editor to editor.
 Sub-editors ensure copy arrives and pages leave on time and must keep
control of copy-flow.
 A logical structure of file names is important for logging traffic between
editorial office and outside facilities.
Copy Editing:

 Copy-flow is complex and determines the sequence of events from initial

ideas to the moment the magazine leaves the editorial floor.
 Schedules for several issues overlap, and most editors stick with the
schedule they inherit.
 Flowcharts help editors take account of resources: people, materials, and
time.
 The initial meeting with section editors or writers helps organize the issue,
such as significant dates, issue size, advertising volume, and editorial
allocation.
 The commissioning and briefing stage finds suitable contributors, such as
writers, photographers, illustrators, and picture libraries.
 Initial editing or rough editing starts as soon as the first commissioned
material arrives and requires good housekeeping.
 Incoming material should be logged in and safely stored with a meaningful
naming convention.

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SPADE work flow of INTEGRATED NEWSROOM

SPADE — A blueprint for modular workflow in omni-media newsrooms

— is an approach that can solve this mis-integration.
The newsroom is designed to work as a single content supply chain —
with data-driven, multi-screen sourcing, production, assembling,
distribution — feeding all news brands, across editions.

SPADE is an acronym for Source, Produce, Amplify, Distribute, and

Evaluate. It's a workflow used in integrated newsrooms to manage the
production and distribution of news content across different platforms.
Here's a brief explanation of each step:
Source: The first step is to gather news from various sources,
including reporters, social media, press releases, wire services, and
other news organizations. The goal is to collect as much relevant and
reliable information as possible to create a complete and accurate
story.
Produce: Once the news has been gathered, it's time to produce the
story. This step involves writing, editing, fact-checking, and adding
multimedia elements such as photos, videos, and infographics. The
story should be tailored to the specific audience and platform it's
intended for, whether it's a website, social media, or a broadcast
program.

Amplify: After the story has been produced, it's time to amplify it by
sharing it on various platforms. This can include social media, websites,
mobile apps, email newsletters, and other channels. The goal is to
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reach as many people as possible and generate engagement through
likes, shares, comments, and other interactions.
Distribute: Once the story has been amplified, it's time to distribute
it to the appropriate channels. This step involves publishing the story
on the news organization's website, social media accounts, and other
platforms. It may also involve syndicating the story to other news
organizations or media outlets.
Evaluate: The final step is to evaluate the performance of the story
across various platforms. This involves analyzing metrics such as page
views, engagement, and social media shares to determine the impact
of the story. The feedback received from the audience is used to
improve the quality of future stories and better target the audience.

Overall, the SPADE workflow provides a structured approach to news

production and distribution in integrated newsrooms. It helps ensure
that stories are accurate, relevant, and distributed effectively to reach
the target audience.

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Roles in INTEGRATED NEWS ROOM
In an integrated newsroom, roles refer to the different positions and
responsibilities assigned to individuals or teams in order to produce
high-quality and comprehensive news content. These roles may vary
depending on the structure and size of the newsroom, but generally
include:

Editors: responsible for overseeing the entire newsroom and ensuring

that the content produced meets the organization's standards and
objectives.
Reporters: responsible for gathering and reporting news stories,
conducting interviews, and producing written, audio, or visual content
for publication.
Producers: responsible for coordinating and managing the production
of news content across various platforms, such as print, broadcast, and
online.
Photojournalists: responsible for capturing and producing visual
content, including photographs and videos, to accompany news
stories.
Copy editors: responsible for reviewing and editing news content to
ensure accuracy, clarity, and adherence to editorial guidelines.
Social media editors: responsible for managing and creating content
for the newsroom's social media accounts, and engaging with
audiences online.
Data journalists: responsible for gathering, analyzing, and visualizing
data to produce news stories and create informative graphics.
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Audience engagement editors: responsible for fostering a relationship
between the newsroom and its audience, by creating interactive
content and promoting reader engagement.

By clearly defining these roles and assigning responsibilities,

integrated newsrooms can ensure that their content is
comprehensive, accurate, and engaging, and can be distributed
effectively across multiple platforms.

Production in different formats of news media

Television news:
 News gathering: collecting information and leads
 Story selection: choosing which stories to cover
 Script writing: preparing a script for the anchor to read
 Video recording: capturing video footage related to the story
 Video editing: putting together the recorded footage with the script
 Studio recording: recording the anchor reading the script in the studio
 Video post-production: final editing and packaging of the news piece
 Broadcast: airing the news segment on television

Newspaper news:
 News gathering: collecting information and leads
 Story selection: choosing which stories to cover
 Research and fact-checking: verifying the accuracy of the information
gathered
 Writing: preparing a written article based on the research
 Editing: reviewing and revising the article for clarity and accuracy
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  Layout and design: creating the layout of the newspaper and placing the
articles
 Printing: printing the newspaper
 Distribution: delivering the newspaper to subscribers or newsstands

Radio news:
 News gathering: collecting information and leads
 Story selection: choosing which stories to cover
 Script writing: preparing a script for the news anchor to read
 Audio recording: recording the anchor reading the script in the studio
 Audio editing: editing the recorded audio to remove mistakes and improve
quality
 Audio post-production: final editing and packaging of the news segment
 Broadcast: airing the news segment on the radio

Print news:
 News gathering: collecting information and leads
 Story selection: choosing which stories to cover
 Research and fact-checking: verifying the accuracy of the information
gathered
 Writing: preparing a written article based on the research
 Editing: reviewing and revising the article for clarity and accuracy
 Layout and design: creating the layout of the printed material and placing
the articles
 Printing: printing the material
 Distribution: delivering the material to subscribers or newsstands

Website news:
 News gathering: collecting information and leads
 Story selection: choosing which stories to cover
 Research and fact-checking: verifying the accuracy of the information
gathered
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  Writing: preparing a written article based on the research
 Editing: reviewing and revising the article for clarity and accuracy
 Multimedia production: creating videos, audio recordings, and images to
accompany the written article
 Content management: uploading the article and multimedia content to
the website
 Publishing: making the article and multimedia content available to the
public on the website.

News selection: News Value and other parameters

News selection is a crucial aspect of journalism.
Here are some factors that are considered while selecting news:

 News Value: News value is the most important factor that determines
the selection of news. News that has significance, relevance, and
importance for the audience is more likely to be selected. News value is
determined by factors such as timeliness, proximity, impact, prominence,
conflict, human interest, and novelty.
 Relevance: News should be relevant to the audience it is intended for. A
news story that is not relevant to the audience may not be selected.
 Source credibility: The credibility of the source of news is also a key
factor in news selection. News from a credible source is more likely to be
selected.
 Balance: News should be balanced and unbiased. The journalist should
strive to provide both sides of the story and avoid taking sides.
 Accuracy: News should be accurate and factually correct. Journalists
should verify facts before publishing or broadcasting a news story.
 Ethics: Journalistic ethics should be followed while selecting news. The
journalist should not publish or broadcast news that is invasive of privacy,
defamatory, or harmful to any individual or community.

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  Timeliness: News that is timely and up-to-date is more likely to be
selected. Journalists should strive to be the first to report breaking news.
 Visual Appeal: For television, website news and print media, visual
appeal is important. The story should be presented in a visually appealing
manner, with good quality images, videos, and graphics.
 Audience engagement: The news should engage the audience and
encourage them to participate. The journalist should encourage feedback
and comments from the audience.
 Platform-specific: News production for different platforms (television,
newspapers, radio, print, website news) should be customized according
to the platform-specific requirements.

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