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You are here: Home › Careers › Australian Careers › Careers Descriptions › Writing and Publishing Careers › Newspaper/Magazine Editor

Newspaper/Magazine Editor

Newspaper and magazine editors manage editorial staff and their newspaper or magazine business, and direct the preparation of articles for the newspaper or magazine.

 

Tasks & duties

Newspaper and magazine editors may do some or all of the following:

  • decide which stories to cover
  • assign articles to reporters and writers and advise on how to cover them
  • write or assist with news stories, columns, features or photo shoots
  • select photos for publication
  • help to prepare reporters' and writers' work for publication
  • plan the layout of each issue of the newspaper or magazine
  • liaise with advertising and printing staff, and distributors of the newspaper or magazine
  • hire and train editorial staff
  • contribute to the business management of the newspaper or magazine

 

Specialisations

Newspaper/magazine editors may specialise in a particular subject area such as sports or politics, or in the locality their magazine covers.

 

 

Skills & knowledge

Newspaper and magazine editors need to have:

  • a good understanding of the processes involved in publishing a newspaper or magazine
  • an understanding of their audience and what people want to read
  • business management skills
  • leadership, communication and people skills
  • analytical skills
  • writing skills
  • knowledge of media law, including defamation

 

Entry requirements

To become a newspaper or magazine editor you need to have several years' experience as a journalist. However, some people may begin their own publication with less experience.

 

Secondary education

Sixth Form Certificate or NCEA Level 2 with a good grade in English is needed to apply for journalism courses. However, Bursary English or NCEA Level 3 is preferred.

 

Training on the job

Many skills are gained on the job. Some newspapers and magazines provide management seminars, conferences or training courses.

 

Useful experience

Useful experience for newspaper and magazine editors includes:

  • management work
  • research, writing, editing or proofreading work
  • office and computer work
  • any work where you have to meet deadlines

 

Related courses

Business Management
Graphic Arts and Design Studies
Journalism, Communication and Media Studies

 

For more information, please refer to Career Services.

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