Content developed by Yash Tiwari
The sub-editor whoplays a keyrole in theediting process has been described as the midwife to the story,the most usefulperson in the newspaper.
The various steps involvedin the editing process are briefly explained below. Since editing is carriedout by sub-editors at the desk,the following stepsare basically their responsibilities.
1. Ensuring accuracy
Good reporting is a key ingredient in ensuring accuracy. Sub-editors ensure accuracy by checking and rechecking thefacts and if needed theywould seek clarifications from the reporters. Carelessness canlead to blunders and embarrassing mistakes.
2. Trimming unnecessary words
Unnecessary words, adjectives, and adverbs should be not used. If an event is very interesting, it is sufficient to say it is interesting.
3. Protecting and polishing the language
Editing involves polishing the language. An editor shouldhave knowledge of grammar and language usages.He plays a major role in protecting the language against abuse. Peopleat the desk should knowhow to spell,to reorganize and clarify passages and protect the meaning of words. Itcontributes to bettercommunication of ideas.
4. Correcting inconsistencies
Inconsistencies within the story should bedetected and corrected. Inconsistencies in the story can confuse the reader.
5. Making the story conform to the style
The word ‘style’ in newspaper jargon refers to the consistency provided by rules of usage in a newspaper. Rules of style to avoid inconsistencies that would annoy the reader. The style gives the newspaper a sense of consistency that would be absent if goodbye were used in one story and goodby in the next.
6. Eliminating libelous statements
Libel is writtendefamation. The sub-editor mustknow the libellaws of the country. Libelous/ defamatory statements shouldbe eliminated. It is the dutyof the sub-editor to ensure that the storiesare free from such statements.
7. Eliminating passages in poor taste
Some newspapers have policies banning profanity of any type.Others permit the use of some wordsbut not others.For example, reputednewspapers by convention will not publish the victim’s namesand other identities in a story on rape.
8. Make the story readable and complete
A story that is readable and complete has the following characteristics.
- It should be precise and clear.
- It has a pace appropriate to the content
- It uses transitional devices that lead the reader from one thought to the next.
- It appeals to the reader’s senses.
9. Writing attractive headlines
Write a headline that attracts the reader’s attention, summarises the story, depicts the mood of the storyand helps thetone of the newspaper.
10. Editing pictures and designing pages
An important step in the editing processis the packaging of news storieson a page. Designing the page helpsthe reader to read fasterand read moreof what is written.
