A publication with a small or big volume of readers always has an executive editor. Through an executive editor, the vision of the publication becomes clear. The tone of the publication is set and the editorial guidelines are manifested in the output of every reporter, assistant editor, and managing editor. Being an executive editor entails a huge responsibility. The executive editor represents the publication to the media and other external outlets. The team that constitutes the publication needs to be cooperative in bringing the executive editor’s goals into fruition. A lot of executive editors used to be editor-in-chiefs for a school paper.
Editorial Content
As an executive editor, the editorial content of a publication is reviewed as appropriate with the tone and voice of the publication. The executive editor produces the editorial of a newspaper. Executive editors establish good relations with the managing editor. The assistant editors work closely with each other to see to it that the subordinates are performing well. By being an executive editor, all major decisions for the publication are done. The layout, design, and content are all approved before printing. There is plenty of paperwork to read and review before they are granted the rights for printing.
Positive Publication Image
An executive editor discusses with the editorial board everything regarding submissions, deadlines, performance appraisals, budget, and planning. There is also close association with production, advertising, and information technology to create a remarkable issue all the time. In the fast-paced world of the news, an executive editor demonstrates grace under pressure. There is plenty of assistance given to the managing editor in terms of running the publication. Since the newspaper sponsors public events, the image of the publication as positive is crucial to attract an audience. The executive editor needs to get the attention of the public all the time.
Qualifications
An executive editor candidate possesses at least a university degree in journalism or has prior ten to twenty years of journalism experience. Being adept in the language of the publication is necessary to adapt to its voice and tone. Executive editors need to practice transparency in their publication material. Objectivity is also important in the dissemination of information. The guidelines of the Associated Press (AP) need to be reviewed as the need arises so that the journalism standards are met all the time. There are plenty of executive editors who have moved to the online medium from the traditional print medium.
Professional Growth
Being passionate about the written word is important for an executive editor. For a person who considers the publication as always in need of attention, meticulousness in detail and attentiveness to updates are vital. In the newsroom, a successful collaboration between the executive editor, managing editor, and assistant editors assure publication growth and more staff in the future. Executive editors are normally members of professional associations such as the American Society of Newspaper Editors, Newspaper Association of America, the Newspaper Guild, and World Editors Forum. Being in charge of the success of a publication is a major duty of the executive editor.*
*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/
