How to Qualify to Be a Newspaper Editor

Karen S. Johnson reports:

"Newspaper editors enjoy writing and are good at it, but many do little article writing. In fact, many newspaper editors work almost exclusively on assigning articles to their staff members, then reviewing what's submitted. This is changing as newspapers are suffering serious declines in revenue and newsroom staff are being cut, with reporter and editor jobs getting combined more and more. Many newspaper[s] start as newspaper reporters and move up to the editor position. While Internet news publications are replacing some print newspapers, editors still need to make coverage and business decisions for online news as well as in print...There isn’t a degree or education requirement to being an editor, but with little predicted job growth you increase your chances with at least a bachelor’s degree...English, journalism [and] communications are all appropriate choices, but any liberal arts degree is a good choice, especially with a concentration in writing. While in college, find other opportunities that will give you newspaper experience, such as working for the college newspaper or an internship...Editors commonly get their indoctrination into the newspaper world by writing and reporting. Many interns conduct research for reporters, which is important for factually correct stories and background information. Even a job in another area, such as the business office or selling advertising, can help you understand the newspaper publishing business and prepare you for an eventual career as an editor...An editor is not only a good writer, but [also] has an excellent grasp of grammar. You have to pay great attention to detail; even with proofreaders, the ultimate responsibility for accuracy falls to the editor. With more newspaper eyeballs coming from online sources, coming up with eye-catching and accurate headlines is increasingly part of the newspaper editor role. Newspaper publishing is deadline[-]driven, so you must work well under pressure without compromising accuracy. There is also a business component to being an editor, from understanding the publishing business, to keeping an eye on bottom-line practices of subscriptions and advertising sales. With news operations shrinking and newsroom jobs getting combined, you should learn more computer skills, including how to use a content management system to upload articles and how to post on social media channels. To increase your employability, learn how to take photographs that can be used in a print publication (usually for local papers) and online...Newspapers are working hard to increase online readership, with some offering free access to readers (making money off ads), while others sell online subscriptions with premium content. To see what type of income you might make, use job aggregator and salary websites like Salary.com, Indeed.com and ZipRecruiter.com. Type the job title, city and/or state you're interested in to see what employers are currently offering."