��ࡱ� > �� Y [ ���� X �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� '` �R� Ch bjbj"9"9 2l @S @S �L �� �� �� � � � � � � � � � � � � 8 6 B , � = . z z z z z � � � � � � � � � � $ k h � l � Q � ( � � ( ( � � � z z 4 � < < < ( � � z � z � < ( � < < � � < z n ����E� � � < � 0 = < ?! � ?! < ?! � < D � � � � < 8 � � l � � � � � � X � � � = ( ( ( ( � � � � : � � � � : � � � � � � � � � ���� More than writing news It has been said that a reporter�s ego is like an unskilled brain, a quivering mass of vulnerability. But no matter how big an ego a reporter may have, the simple fact of newspapering is that no story, no matter how well written, would be printed and seen by readers without the important work of dozens-often hundreds-of men and women in all departments of the newspaper, starting in the newsroom. Most of the public�s attention is focused on reporters chiefly because they are the �point� men and women of the news business. More people know reporters by name or reputation than they do press operators. Yet both are essential to a newspaper. A newspaper�s reputation often is based on the public�s perception of its reporters. They usually are blamed by the public for all the perceived sins of the press simply because they are the most visible members of the staff. Despite the prominent role of the reporter, increasing attention has been given in recent years to the dramatic advances in the technology of printing and the speed with which news can be delivered to the public. At times, in the trade press in particular, it has appeared that the technology of the industry was more important than the human beings involved in the news process. Like printing technology, however, the reporter is better than ever .at the same time, reporters cannot afford to be arrogant about their importance, because without the important work performed by all the others in the organization, business and technical as well as editorial personnel, their work would be useless. Each of the three major departments of a typical newspaper plays a significant role in the delivery of news to reader. How�s a modern newspaper from? Since the late 1970s, the process of getting a story into print has changed dramatically. The Age of the Computer is in full flower at newspapers all over the nation. Reporters write their stories on a computer terminal. Copy editors use computers to edit stories and write headlines. Graphic artists use personal computers for designs, charts, graphs, maps and many papers to design the pages as well. The designed pages are sent by the newsroom computers to the computer in the printing department, where the stories, photographs, charts and advertisements are assembled into a finished page by the image-setter (photocomposition machine). The image-setter produces a negative of the page, which is burned onto thin, sensitized plates that are attached to the press. The image is produced on newsprint by the offset method. In that process, the ink adheres only to the image that has been burned onto the plate; it is then imposed on a rubber roller on the press that transfers the image to the newsprint. The result is generally a much sharper, cleaner-appearing newspaper. Most modern newspaper presses are computer driven. Major benefits of computerization have been increased speed and the reduction of personnel, particularly in the composition and printing operations. However, there is still considerable debate in newsrooms over whether the product is as good. Some worry that the editing is not as carefully done, although a number of studies show that there is little or no different in the quality of editing whether it is done on a computer or by hand. Some reporters complain that the computer turns them into typesetters and proofreaders. And other studies have been conducted on the possible health hazards that could be caused by working on computers for extended periods. San Francisco was the first city to establish safety guidelines for persons who use computers in their daily work. How does the editors department operate? Although the editor of a newspaper works in concert with the publisher and often the business manager, he or she is primarily responsible for the editorial content. At larger papers, the editorial generally delegates the responsibility for running the daily operation to a managing editor, who in turn directs the activities of the city editor and the various department editors. All local news stories are written by staff reporters who work under the city editor. Stories received from the national wire services are handled by the wire editor. Correspondents (out-of-town reporters) work through the state editor. Editors in charge of lifestyles, sports, entertainment, business and other editorial departments handle all the stories for their pages. However, they work closely with managing editor, the city editor and the graphics editor in an effort to coordinate their efforts. Editorials are written by editors and editorial writers. Usually, if an editor has administrative duties, he or she may write few editorials. Newspapers that are owned by chains may receive some of their editorials from the home office. In addition, the public relations offices of a number of the state and national business and professional organizations and other special-interest groups send materials for editorials to newspapers. Some newspapers use them, but others consider their use unethical and will not print them. On larger newspapers most headlines are written by the copy editors. On smaller ones much of the copy-reading and headline writing may be done by the city, wire and state editors. And on very small publications, a reporter may write the headline on the story he or she has just composed. Photographs may serve under a chief photographer, but their assignments generally come from a photo editor or one of the departmental editors. They may accompany a reporter on an assignment, or they may cover an event alone. On smaller newspapers, reporters often serve as their own photographs. Department editors are in charge of special sections devoted to such topics as business, sports and entertainment, including radio, television, motion pictures, the arts, music, and books. Department editors also are responsible for the special Sunday sections of most newspapers. However, on smaller newspapers, coverage of those areas may be assigned to various staff reporters in addition to their regular duties. The book page editor may be an editorial writer, for example. Or a beat reporter may also do movie reviews. Editorial Department. The function of the newspaper�s editorial department is to gather news from various sources and to write it nito readable, interesting stories, edit them and plan how they will be displayed on the printed pages. Other functions of the editorial department are to instruct or influence the public through editorials, commentary and analysis, as well as to entertain the public through its by-lined columns, comics and other features. All the editorial content of the newspaper is processed by the editorial department. Many newspapers have established their own web pages on the Internet and the editorial department is responsible for preparing stories for that page. If a newspaper has a web site, it will be listed in the Editor & Publisher Yearbook. Newspaper web addresses also can be found through the use of Internet search engines. Mechanical Department. The complicated and highly technical process of transforming the reporter�s stories into type and reproducing them on thousands of pages of newsprint is done by the mechanical department, which includes the composing room and the pressroom. The printing process has become highly computerized. Business Department. To finance the two other departments, advertising space must be sold, subscriptions must be solicited and the finished product must be delivered to the readers.to handle these important duties, most newspapers have separate advertising and circulation departments under the business department. A third division handles problems of management, personnel and business administration at many newspapers. Advertising, circulation and management may be combined into one unit at small newspapers. But at larger ones, they generally operate as separate units and report to a business or general manager. Details of Organization The organization of a newspaper will vary considerably, depending on its size Metropolitan newspapers frequently have highly developed organization charts similar to that in Chart. At smaller newspapers, some of the duties of various departments may overlap. And in rare cases, there may be no formal organization chart at all; everyone does what has to be done to get the paper out. What is a publisher? All papers have a publisher. The title often is assumed by the owner or the majority stockholder in the corporation or it can be given to someone hired to serve in that position. The latter is particularly true at newspapers owned by both large and small chains. The men and women hired as publishers may have no direct ownership in the publication, although some companies do offer opportunities to by stock in the firm. The degree of involvement by the publisher in the daily operation of the newspaper varies greatly. On smaller newspapers a publisher may also be the editor and general manager. On larger newspapers he or she may serve as the chief executive officer of the company and delegate authority for daily operation to a general manager. Although a publisher technically has the power to dictate all policies, editorial as well as business, it usually does not work that way. Policies are generally worked out among the publisher�or owners, if the publisher is hired�the editors and often members of the business staff. The publisher is ultimately, and legally, responsible for everything that appears in the newspaper. On smaller dailies and weeklies, the publisher may be the owner, editor and even one of the reporters. The late Nancy Petrey, copublisher of the Newport Plain Talk (Newport, Tn), the largest nondaily in the state, sold advertisements, took photographs, wrote stories, sold subscriptions and delivered her prize-winning newspaper. She was also known to put on a pair of coveralls and crawl up on the press when a mechanical problem developed. What is a business manager? The business manager generally has authority over advertising, circulation and the office manager, if the newspaper is large enough to need an office manager. In many instances the business manager also fills that position. In that type of organization, the advertising and circulation managers report to the business manager, who then reports to the general manager or publisher. On smaller newspapers it is not uncommon for the publisher also to act as the business manager and an advertising sales representative. Business/Finance �S c o r e k e e p e r f o r N e w s p a p e r T h e p e o p l e i n t h e b u s i n e s s o r f i n a n c e o f f i c e a r e t h e n e w s p a p e r s s c o r e k e e p e r s , c r u n c h i n g t h e n u m b e r s f r o m a l l d e p a r t m e n t s a n d g i v i n g m a n a g e m e n t t h e b i g p i c t u r e . M u c h o f w h a t g o e s o n i n t h e b u s i n e s s o f f i c e h a s t o d o w i t h , y e s , m o n ey. Accountants, auditors and bookkeepers record revenues, bill customers, log expenses, process payments and generate key financial reports. But while much is financial in nature, many of the statistics gathered and decisions made there can and do affect the entire newspaper. Should the newspaper expand its circulation? How much of the paper�s resources should go to the online version? What would it take to justify refitting or replacing the presses? Can the paper afford a foreign news bureau? Is the new Spanish-language section paying for itself with the advertising it is attracting? Timely and accurate reports from the business office are essential to a productive and profitable newspaper operation. The purchasing department negotiates for the best prices on equipment and supplies, from printing presses to paper clips, from newsprint to ink. Newspaper financial managers help develop effective long- and short-range strategic plans and often are asked to provide financial perspectives on key decisions involving other areas of the newspaper�s operation. At some papers, the next publisher might be working in the business department, not editorial. It is sometimes thought that a financial person can learn the editorial side better than an editorial person can learn the business side. But one thing is for sure: There is power in controlling a company�s purse strings. Whether you�re the bookkeeper, a payroll clerk, the auditor or the vice president for finance, your financial skills and business sense will ensure the newspaper�s continued vitality. Circulation Circulation is much more than getting newspapers off the presses, onto the streets and into readers� homes. It is the total marketing of the newspaper and related specialty products to the consumer. The circulation departments are responsible for newspaper sales, distribution, customer relations, merchandising, pricing and promotion. The circulation department promotes a brand new product every day, and sometimes a multitude of publications. Just as circulation is more than distribution, today the delivery function often includes more than the local newspaper. The circulation staff is increasingly challenged to leverage its distribution system to deliver other niche publications to targeted households in its market, and segment that audience for advertisers. At the same time, circulation managers are the newspaper�s experts in sales, customer relations and merchandising. Every day the circulation staff applies a variety of marketing techniques to convince people that reading a newspaper is essential to help them make day-to-day decisions in a complex world, and that the newspaper is worth their investment of time and money. Newspaper marketing is a never-ending, exciting challenge involving the packaging, wholesaling, retailing and delivering of a new product every day. Circulation departments use modern techniques: telemarketing with specific target audiences, intricate sampling and follow-up studies, and direct mail and reader-involvement programs. advertising The newspaper offers credibility and flexibility, both for the advertiser and for the consumer. It also offers its advertisers a powerful and tangible tool to get their message across to their target market. What types of opportunities What types of opportunities are available for college students? Often times, the newspaper industry is thought of solely from a journalistic point of view or as a "source of information for our community." In reality, there are many other interesting and rewarding areas to be explored. Students are welcome as interns, allowing them the opportunity to explore the various departments within the newspaper. Don�t be afraid For those college students who were interested in pursuing a career in advertising area of the newspaper industry, Don�t be afraid to test your own skills in the different newspaper departments. Explore your options within the industry in order to become well rounded. In order to understand its dynamics, you must become involved and knowledgeable, not only with what you do in your particular area or department, but also with what others do and how it affects your efforts. The steps upward Be familiar with other key departments such as creative services, community relations, advertising sales and circulation. Internships offer the flexibility of working in the various departments giving the student the opportunity to know how each affects the next and how each is dependent on the other. Some courses that might be beneficial are marketing, advertising, journalism and management. Human Resources People Movers If people are a newspaper�s greatest asset, human resources professionals may hold its most important jobs. Once perceived as form-shuffling administrators, today�s HR professionals help companies achieve their strategic goals and employees define and attain their career goals. In fact, at many newspapers, HR managers and directors have helped to change the very nature of work, making for both happier employees and greater productivity. Human resources speci a l i s t s a l s o h e l p t h e n e w s p a p e r d e v e l o p a m u l t i c u l t u r a l s t a f f , o n e w i t h a n e t h n i c c o m p o s i t i o n t h a t m a t c h e s s o c i e t y a s a w h o l e . I n a d d i t i o n t o d e v e l o p i n g a n d a d m i n i s t e r i n g t h e c o m p a n y s c o m p e n s a t i o n a n d b e n e f i t s p r o g r a m s , h u m a n r e s o u r c e s p r o f e s s i o n a l s : �% i n v e s t i g a t e a n d l i t i g a t e c l a i m s o f d i s c r i m i n a t o r y e m p l o y m e n t p r a c t i c e s �% p r o v i d e p r o f e s s i o n a l d e v e l o p m e n t a n d t r a i n i n g o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r e m p l o y e e s �% r e n d e r a s s i s t a n c e i n c h a n g i n g t h e n a t u r e a n d d e s i g n o f j o b s a n d d e p a r t m e n t s t o i m p r o v e t h e n e w s p a p e r s o p e r a t i n g e f f i c i e n c y �% d e v e l o p p e r s o n n e l p o l i c i e s g o v e r n i n g s u c h a r e a s a s s i c k l e a v e , v a c a t i o n , h o l i d a y s , t u i t i o n a s s i s t a n c e , e m p l o y e e s a f e t y , r e t i r e m e n t p r o g r a m s a n d t e r m i n a t i o n . I n m a n y n e w s p a p e r o p e r a t i o n s , t h e h u m a n r e s o u r c e s p r o f e s s i o n a l a l s o i s t h e c o m p a ny�s spokesperson in dealing with any labor unions that may represent groups of employees. In this role, the HR manager or director is responsible for the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, contract administration and arbitration proceedings. The goals of all these tasks merge into one�to help newspaper employees better serve their customers, both readers and advertisers. And newspapers rely on getting the best people in order to stay competitive. More recently, the urgent need to help employees learn new technologies has put human resources at the forefront in developing and managing training programs. Newspaper publishers also are relying more and more on HR professionals to develop flex-time, job-sharing and other programs to reduce the increasing stresses on two-career families with children. A newspaper is more than writing the news Career Articles Help Wanted Challenging, socially significant work. Lifelong opportunities for career development. Thriving industry, with a special role in every North American community, seeks talented and energetic young people interested in communications, sales, computers, distribution, production and management. We have more than 440,000 employees in the United States. Equal Opportunity Employer. If the newspaper industry were advertising to today's college-trained young men and women, that's how the ad might read. Today, each local newspaper is part of a huge network that spans the United States and Canada. There are almost 1,500 daily newspapers and more than 5,000 weekly newspapers. You'll find that as many as 55 million weekday and 65 million Sunday copies are tossed on doorsteps, tucked under arms and spread out in family rooms across North America. People who are skilled at newspaper work can take their careers wherever they want to live - from Se � � � � A j C Y �# �# �$ �$ &