Editing for the MediaEditing for the MediaClass IntroductionClass Introduction

Getting startedGetting started

About meAbout me Contact info / need your email addressesContact info / need your email addresses Required texts and optional readingRequired texts and optional reading Class schedule and syllabus (handout)Class schedule and syllabus (handout) Project: 5-page plus written analysis and Project: 5-page plus written analysis and

short oral presentation (handout)short oral presentation (handout) Course Web site: Course Web site:

www.mycoursesite.com/mcgrathwww.mycoursesite.com/mcgrath

GradingGrading (7) Story exercises get a numerical grade (100 (7) Story exercises get a numerical grade (100

points each). Serious errors result in an automatic points each). Serious errors result in an automatic D- or F (usually a 60)D- or F (usually a 60)

(6) AP exercises (100 pts each) and (10) current (6) AP exercises (100 pts each) and (10) current events quizzes (20 pts each for 200 points)events quizzes (20 pts each for 200 points)

Project (200 points)Project (200 points) Take-home final (300 points)Take-home final (300 points) Overall score: 2,000 points (divide by 20)Overall score: 2,000 points (divide by 20) Extra credit (next slide), bonus points day Extra credit (next slide), bonus points day Absences and late work (10 points off for every Absences and late work (10 points off for every

day the work is late)day the work is late)

Extra creditExtra credit Extra story editing exercises can be Extra story editing exercises can be

worked to boost a gradeworked to boost a grade Word editing exercises to boost AP or Word editing exercises to boost AP or

current events gradescurrent events grades Boo-boo gemsBoo-boo gems: Significant errors (more : Significant errors (more

than simple typos, duped words) you than simple typos, duped words) you find in print, online or elsewhere that find in print, online or elsewhere that you bring in will earn 3 points on story you bring in will earn 3 points on story grades. Three “boo-boos” equal a letter grades. Three “boo-boos” equal a letter grade.grade.

Headline drills (5 optional exercises)Headline drills (5 optional exercises)

The editor’s worldThe editor’s worldWhat do these editors do to What do these editors do to earn that paycheck anyway?earn that paycheck anyway?

The Editor’s WorldThe Editor’s World

They take a real close look at things, of course …They take a real close look at things, of course …sometimes two or three times if necessary.sometimes two or three times if necessary.

EditingEditingNot only do editors look at stories, headlines, layouts, etc. Not only do editors look at stories, headlines, layouts, etc. closely, but they have to look at them with closely, but they have to look at them with different eyesdifferent eyes. . What does that mean? Editors represent the reader / What does that mean? Editors represent the reader / information consumer. The editor makes sure the material information consumer. The editor makes sure the material is suitable – in discernability and taste – for the majority of is suitable – in discernability and taste – for the majority of the target audience. Editors want to avoid trouble … and the target audience. Editors want to avoid trouble … and because that “trouble” can come at you from any number because that “trouble” can come at you from any number of directions, you need to have your eyes on a swivel.of directions, you need to have your eyes on a swivel.

Metaphorically speaking, learning the basics of newswriting Metaphorically speaking, learning the basics of newswriting was like learning to drive. Editing skills help you learn to be was like learning to drive. Editing skills help you learn to be a “defensive driver” – and stay out of trouble.a “defensive driver” – and stay out of trouble.

What else do editors do? Take a look …What else do editors do? Take a look …

Well, they don’t just sit around smoking cigars all Well, they don’t just sit around smoking cigars all day, that’s for sure. And by the way, more and day, that’s for sure. And by the way, more and more women are copy editors and senior editors. more women are copy editors and senior editors. Just look around the room and you’ll see why.Just look around the room and you’ll see why.

Editors have a Editors have a lot of lot of decisionsdecisions to make – to make – some big, some big, some small. some small. They may They may affect just the affect just the newsroom newsroom staff or all staff or all readers / readers / viewers / viewers / customers.customers.

Editors have to be good planners. How much room is needed for Super Bowl coverage? How many people are needed to work on Election Night? How do we cover the 10th anniversary of Sept. 11? Some decisions must be weighed carefully.

Some editors Some editors have to reallyhave to reallys-q-u-e-e-z-es-q-u-e-e-z-eto fit the day’s to fit the day’s content into the content into the space available space available or the time or the time allowed.allowed.

(Note the baby on board!)

Often, an editor Often, an editor finds themselves finds themselves putting out fires putting out fires between between colleagues and colleagues and reporters, with reporters, with other departments, other departments, with production with production staff, with staff, with supervising editors supervising editors or with disgruntled or with disgruntled readers / viewers.readers / viewers.

Editors are Editors are supervisors. supervisors. Sometimes the Sometimes the editor has to chew editor has to chew some … tail to get some … tail to get things done as things done as they should be. they should be.

But But remember, it’s remember, it’s better to better to praise in praise in public and criticize public and criticize in private.in private.

Editors also Editors also have to be have to be wordsmithswordsmiths, , making words making words

work work with visuals. And a with visuals. And a bit of wordplay is bit of wordplay is one of the most one of the most enjoyable parts of enjoyable parts of an editor’s job.an editor’s job.

A good editor knows there are A good editor knows there are different points of different points of viewview out there. It’s a diverse world, with different out there. It’s a diverse world, with different tastes, likes, needs as well. One editor said if we tastes, likes, needs as well. One editor said if we put out a paper that contains only the stuff that he put out a paper that contains only the stuff that he likes, then we would only need to print one copy.likes, then we would only need to print one copy.

A good A good editor knows editor knows that, sadly, that, sadly, you won’t be you won’t be able to able to educate educate everyone. everyone. Whether it’s Whether it’s reporters or reporters or readers, readers, sometimes sometimes they just they just won’t get the won’t get the message. So message. So you just try you just try to reach to reach those you those you can.can. Yes, that is indeed a surge protector floating

on a pair of sandals. Obviously, more beer is needed here.

But there’s But there’s always some always some days when days when you just have you just have to say: “How to say: “How did we get did we get into this into this mess?” Thank mess?” Thank goodness, we goodness, we can start over can start over fresh fresh tomorrow.tomorrow.

The Editor’s WorldThe Editor’s World Editing is taking something someone else has Editing is taking something someone else has

created and then molding it so it can be created and then molding it so it can be presented in its best form. Editors almost presented in its best form. Editors almost always work with material originated by always work with material originated by someone else.someone else.

There is There is micro-editingmicro-editing and and macro-editingmacro-editing. . Micro-editing would include spelling, style, fact Micro-editing would include spelling, style, fact checking etc. Macro-editing takes a broader checking etc. Macro-editing takes a broader view.view.

The editor comes between the information-The editor comes between the information-gathering stage and the information-receiving gathering stage and the information-receiving stage.stage.

For those of us in or going into the For those of us in or going into the communications racket, what is that widget communications racket, what is that widget we run off the assembly line each day, that we run off the assembly line each day, that product that we sell? product that we sell? InformationInformation. We try to . We try to transport information from Point A to Point transport information from Point A to Point B, whether by print or electronic means. B, whether by print or electronic means.

AA ------------- (editor) -------------- ------------- (editor) -------------- BBBBBBBB BBBBBBBB

(readers)(readers)Note that those “B’s” out there gather and assimilate information in different ways and according to their own filters. They process the information in different ways; some info they always let in and some they won’t.

Editing is a by-product of the Editing is a by-product of the translation theory translation theory of of communication. Communication is the transfer of an communication. Communication is the transfer of an intended message, generally through language. This intended message, generally through language. This process can be divided into two broad stages: process can be divided into two broad stages: transmissiontransmission (speaking, writing) and (speaking, writing) and receptionreception (listening, reading). But (listening, reading). But there are two other stages here that are of interest to the there are two other stages here that are of interest to the translation theorist; before transmission, the message translation theorist; before transmission, the message

must must be formulated accurately (be formulated accurately (coherencecoherence) and after reception, ) and after reception, the message must be understood accurately (the message must be understood accurately (assimilationassimilation). ). The editor helps create accuracy and understanding. To do The editor helps create accuracy and understanding. To do so successfully, this theory implies that the editor not only so successfully, this theory implies that the editor not only know about forming messages, but be knowledgeable of know about forming messages, but be knowledgeable of diverse audiencesdiverse audiences

Qualities of a good editorQualities of a good editor

Editors should haveEditors should have: : a)a) ConfidenceConfidenceb)b) ObjectivityObjectivityc)c) Awareness of Awareness of

readershipreadershipd)d) DiplomacyDiplomacye)e) Be able to write wellBe able to write well

f)f) Good sense of what Good sense of what matters matters

g)g) Sense of humorSense of humorh)h) Awareness of the Awareness of the

workplace/newsroomworkplace/newsroomi)i) CuriosityCuriosityj)j) Breadth of Breadth of

knowledgeknowledge

Qualities of a good newspaper/Qualities of a good newspaper/magazine/newscast/webcastmagazine/newscast/webcast

Try the acronym APE Try the acronym APE

AnalyticalAnalytical: It explains what stories mean to its : It explains what stories mean to its readers, gives context. readers, gives context.

PracticalPractical: It does the things you expect, like : It does the things you expect, like give a weather report, tell what the city council give a weather report, tell what the city council did last night, list who is running for office, etc.did last night, list who is running for office, etc.

EmotionalEmotional or or entertainingentertaining: It doesn’t forget to : It doesn’t forget to get a chuckle now and then or tug on the get a chuckle now and then or tug on the heartstrings. heartstrings.

(HINT: This is a good guide for your project (HINT: This is a good guide for your project papers)papers)

Decisions, decisionsDecisions, decisionsEditors have to make a variety of Editors have to make a variety of

decisionsdecisions:: Because of time and space constraints, Because of time and space constraints,

how much of a story gets usedhow much of a story gets used What words go into the display type What words go into the display type

(heds, promos, cutlines)(heds, promos, cutlines) What art elements are necessaryWhat art elements are necessary Who covers what storyWho covers what story Ethical / legal concernsEthical / legal concerns Editorial stancesEditorial stances

Decisions, decisionsDecisions, decisionsSometimes simple word choice decisions aren’t so Sometimes simple word choice decisions aren’t so simple. After the Supreme Court rendered its simple. After the Supreme Court rendered its ruling on the 2000 election, the Chronicle debated ruling on the 2000 election, the Chronicle debated between a lead headline of:between a lead headline of:

Bush wins presidencyBush wins presidency or …..or …..Bush obtains presidencyBush obtains presidency

We went with the latter, to some criticism.We went with the latter, to some criticism.

Marketing issuesMarketing issues

Marketing your productMarketing your product Marketing yourselfMarketing yourself

Marketing issuesMarketing issues

For those of us in the For those of us in the communications communications industry -- in whatever industry -- in whatever facet thereof - facet thereof - information is the information is the product we have to product we have to sell. Not only is the sell. Not only is the contentcontent of information of information important to our important to our success, but how it’s success, but how it’s presentedpresented is vital as is vital as well. well.

Those of you with the Those of you with the most polished most polished communications skills communications skills will have a will have a decided decided advantageadvantage toward toward obtaining jobs and obtaining jobs and promotions than those promotions than those with lesser abilities.with lesser abilities.

A tighter marketA tighter market Making yourself more marketable is extremely Making yourself more marketable is extremely

important in the ever-changing important in the ever-changing communications arena. In 1920, 700 U.S. cities communications arena. In 1920, 700 U.S. cities boasted more than one competing newspaper. boasted more than one competing newspaper. About 10 years ago (1997), there were more About 10 years ago (1997), there were more than 50 cities in the U.S. with at least two than 50 cities in the U.S. with at least two competing newspapers. Now there are about competing newspapers. Now there are about 15 -- fewer than 4 percent of U.S. cities have 15 -- fewer than 4 percent of U.S. cities have competing papers under competing papers under separate ownershipseparate ownership. .

Media consolidation and corporate ownership has Media consolidation and corporate ownership has certainly played a role in reshaping the certainly played a role in reshaping the communications landscape as well …communications landscape as well …

On the broadcast frontOn the broadcast frontTelevisionTelevision Westinghouse bought CBS (1995), then later Westinghouse bought CBS (1995), then later

merged with Viacom (1999).merged with Viacom (1999). Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp. owns Fox News Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp. owns Fox News Disney has ABCDisney has ABC General Electric has NBCGeneral Electric has NBC Time-Warner has CNNTime-Warner has CNN

RadioRadio Clear Channel Communications of San Antonio Clear Channel Communications of San Antonio

owns about owns about 1,5001,500 stations in the U.S. stations in the U.S. Viacom’s Infinity Broadcasting is No. 2 with Viacom’s Infinity Broadcasting is No. 2 with 185185

stations. stations.

Dealing with changeDealing with change Newspapers aren’t just newspapers anymore; Newspapers aren’t just newspapers anymore;

they are they are information platformsinformation platforms. More and . More and more, newspapers and other mediums are more, newspapers and other mediums are incorporating podcasts, vodcasts, blogs into incorporating podcasts, vodcasts, blogs into the information-delivery mix. We live in the the information-delivery mix. We live in the age of age of convergenceconvergence, and the need for a , and the need for a variety of skills is greater than ever before. variety of skills is greater than ever before. Comm shop managers don’t want folks who Comm shop managers don’t want folks who are just news reporters or ad writers anymore, are just news reporters or ad writers anymore, they want folks who can also write blogs, they want folks who can also write blogs, create videos or post content to the Web. create videos or post content to the Web.

Finding alternativesFinding alternatives

Additionally, newspapers Additionally, newspapers are exploring other means are exploring other means of reaching consumers who of reaching consumers who shun their primary product, shun their primary product, offering free tabloids like offering free tabloids like the RedEye (Chicago the RedEye (Chicago Tribune) and Quick (Dallas Tribune) and Quick (Dallas Morning News) – or, in the Morning News) – or, in the case of Orange County, a case of Orange County, a pay-for tab (the OC Post).pay-for tab (the OC Post).

The Chicago Sun-Times started the streak as a competitor to the RedEye, but it folded.

More alternativesMore alternatives

http://www.chron.com/content/chronicle/http://www.chron.com/content/chronicle/sports/football/video/06/12/26/video.htmlsports/football/video/06/12/26/video.html

The Chronicle’s editor, Jeff Cohen, has given a speech on how John McClain, a Chron sports writer, has “saved journalism.” McClain, who writes for the paper, does a blog, writes for various football Web site and has even appeared in movies (The Longest Yard remake), is one of the lead characters in these ongoing video logs (vlogs) on the Chronicle Web site. Some of these vlogs are informational and some are merely entertaining. You be the judge of the latter.

Getting aheadGetting aheadIn newsrooms andIn newsrooms andother shops, thereother shops, thereare generally twoare generally tworoutes up the ladder –routes up the ladder –reporting and editingreporting and editing((or informationor informationgathering andgathering andinformation shapinginformation shaping).).

Hollywood would likeHollywood would likeyou to believe that you to believe that reporters are like reporters are like Robert Redford orRobert Redford orDustin Hoffman in Dustin Hoffman in AllAllthe President’s Menthe President’s Men. .

Getting aheadGetting ahead

Actually, manyActually, manyreporters are more reporters are more like the Dustin like the Dustin Hoffman character Hoffman character

in in Rain Man. Rain Man. That’s That’s

why why editors have job editors have job security.security.

The “C” word: CredibilityThe “C” word: CredibilitySo, as long as there are reporters, there will be a So, as long as there are reporters, there will be a need for editorsneed for editors. The need for informational . The need for informational

“vetters” “vetters” -- albeit human ones - is extremely important. -- albeit human ones - is extremely important. Too much unvetted information can get you, well, Too much unvetted information can get you, well, the Internet.the Internet.

How well you can sell your information product is How well you can sell your information product is largely dependent on credibility (or the status of largely dependent on credibility (or the status of the competition). the competition). Can the public trust your Can the public trust your product?product? Editors are the guardians of Editors are the guardians of credibilitycredibility.. That “C” word goes a long way toward That “C” word goes a long way toward determining the success of your product and determining the success of your product and yourself.yourself.

Credibility issuesCredibility issuesPrinceton University Press recalled all copies of one of its spring titles Princeton University Press recalled all copies of one of its spring titles after discovering more than after discovering more than 90 spelling and grammar errors90 spelling and grammar errors in the in the

245-245-page work. The book, page work. The book, Cop in the Hood: My Year Policing Baltimore's Cop in the Hood: My Year Policing Baltimore's Eastern DistrictEastern District,, by Peter Moskos, was published with an initial press by Peter Moskos, was published with an initial press run of 4,000 copies.run of 4,000 copies.

``I was flabbergasted and embarrassed,'‘``I was flabbergasted and embarrassed,'‘ said Peter Dougherty, the press's director. said Peter Dougherty, the press's director. ``This is a terribly embarrassing matter``This is a terribly embarrassing matter for Princeton University Press.''for Princeton University Press.''

Moskos's manuscript had been given to anMoskos's manuscript had been given to an inexperienced copy editor who failed to doinexperienced copy editor who failed to do the job properly. ``We take a lot of pridethe job properly. ``We take a lot of pride in the quality of our copy editing,'' Doughertyin the quality of our copy editing,'' Dougherty said, citing the publisher's 103-year tracksaid, citing the publisher's 103-year track record. ``In this case, we messed up very,record. ``In this case, we messed up very, very badly.''very badly.''

Asked how much the recall would cost, Dougherty replied, ``a lot.''Asked how much the recall would cost, Dougherty replied, ``a lot.''

What’s aheadWhat’s ahead

The bulk of the work that you will do in this class The bulk of the work that you will do in this class will be story editing -- so most of your decision will be story editing -- so most of your decision making will fall in the category of making will fall in the category of word choiceword choice. But . But I also hope to discuss design and broader I also hope to discuss design and broader journalism issues such as ethics and libel, how to journalism issues such as ethics and libel, how to get a job as well.get a job as well.

Please feel free to bring up any topic for Please feel free to bring up any topic for discussion. discussion.

HandoutsHandouts

How to build reader trustHow to build reader trust Resumes: Get the names right!Resumes: Get the names right! Anguished EnglishAnguished English by Richard Lederer by Richard Lederer Ski boot ad and reactionSki boot ad and reaction Your first editing testYour first editing test Spelling finesSpelling fines Web sitesWeb sites

The not so good, the downright The not so good, the downright bad and the real uglybad and the real ugly

What’s in a name?What’s in a name?

Paragraph from a New York Times story on Paragraph from a New York Times story on how circumcision can reduce the likelihood how circumcision can reduce the likelihood of getting HIV:of getting HIV:

Circumcision is ``not a magic bullet, but a Circumcision is ``not a magic bullet, but a potentially important intervention,'' said potentially important intervention,'' said

Dr. Dr. Kevin M. De Cock, director of HIV/AIDS for Kevin M. De Cock, director of HIV/AIDS for the World Health Organization.the World Health Organization.

Any need for caution here?Any need for caution here?

What are they using for bait?What are they using for bait?

Headline: Headline: Long-time fishing buddies get Long-time fishing buddies get downdown

to business with S&M Toolto business with S&M Tool deck: deck: Duo 'talked about this a lot' before starting companyDuo 'talked about this a lot' before starting company

(from the Green Bay Press Gazette) (from the Green Bay Press Gazette)

HOBART - Fishing buddies Jim Fuss and Joe Leiterman spent HOBART - Fishing buddies Jim Fuss and Joe Leiterman spent long hours in their boat talking about what they would do if long hours in their boat talking about what they would do if they ever owned a business. they ever owned a business.

Turns out, they planned it pretty well. S&M Tool, their Turns out, they planned it pretty well. S&M Tool, their custom-partscustom-partsmanufacturing shop, is one of 39 Wisconsin businesses manufacturing shop, is one of 39 Wisconsin businesses nominated for the19th annual Wisconsin Manufacturer of nominated for the19th annual Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Awards to be presentedThursday in Milwaukee. the Year Awards to be presentedThursday in Milwaukee.

Joe, we hardly knew yaJoe, we hardly knew yaCheck out this paragraph from an Associated Check out this paragraph from an Associated

Press Press story on John McCain’s VP selection process:story on John McCain’s VP selection process:

Less traditional choices mentioned include former Less traditional choices mentioned include former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge, an abortion-rights Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge, an abortion-rights supporter, and Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman, the supporter, and Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman, the Democratic vice-presidential prick in 2000 who now is an Democratic vice-presidential prick in 2000 who now is an independent.independent.

AP quickly sent a revise on the story – “for minor edits” –AP quickly sent a revise on the story – “for minor edits” –without indicating what was fixed, as is their usual without indicating what was fixed, as is their usual procedureprocedure. .

Would you run Would you run this ad?this ad?

The Denver Post did …The Denver Post did …in its Valentine’s Day in its Valentine’s Day edition in 2007. I’m not edition in 2007. I’m not exactly sure what the exactly sure what the advertiser was trying to advertiser was trying to

sell sell here … and the Houston here … and the Houston Chronicle opted not to Chronicle opted not to

run run it.it.

Heterosexuals Heterosexuals need not applyneed not apply

Six Flags was Six Flags was offering offering

individual season individual season passes in this ad, but passes in this ad, but the company the company

shouldn’t shouldn’t have passed on thehave passed on theediting process on editing process on

its its contact information.contact information.

Hmmm, Hmmm, wonder wonder

what the what the ChristmaChristma

s s discount discount will be?will be?

Looks like Looks like someone someone

could could have used a have used a ““spelling spelling

ace” ace” before before

placing placing this ad.this ad.

JustJustkid kid stuffstuff

Ya think?

They’re driving younger every day …

Answering the phone calls over the first ad might have been exhausting too.

Wal-Mart takes the cakeWal-Mart takes the cake

Someone took their marching orders a bit too literally. Anyway, all kinds of professions out there can use a good editor sometimes.

The real Michael Rice

When it’s really important to get it right

The Chronicle’s mortuary desk doesn’t have an editor – which might have prevented the need for a correction on the paid mort shown. Does the gentleman at upper left look 16?

Next class:Next class:

Read the chapter on headline writingRead the chapter on headline writing First news quizFirst news quiz First AP exercise will be emailedFirst AP exercise will be emailed Decide upon a project subject Decide upon a project subject

(newspaper, magazine or Web site)(newspaper, magazine or Web site)