The fast-paced newsroom environment and deadlines are energizing to these communications maestros, who take pride in knowing they did their part to share important, accurate content with the public.
This senior level position manages the constant stream of information coming into the station. They are responsible for ensuring that the news stories are accurate, balanced, and adhere to the station’s editorial policies. Editors work closely with reporters, assigning them stories, providing guidance, and reviewing their work.
Radio and television stations depend on their editors to oversee the creation of high-quality, engaging journalistic content that attracts listeners/viewers. Editors develop ideas for future stories and are the final say on whether a story is ready for broadcast.
More than just a job.
A career in broadcast media is more than a job, it’s a way of life. It’s definitely not your typical 9-5 workday gig or an easy paycheck. But then, most things worth doing aren’t typical or easy. If this excites you, keep reading because it gets better.
Community outreach is a big part of the job. You’ll love getting out into the community to help local nonprofits and charities in need of a platform. And, it’s a lot of fun when the community comes into the station, too. On any given day you may run into the Pet of the Week, a local dance troupe, a chef, or Teacher of the Year.
This incredible cast of characters can include anyone, from local heroes and everyday citizens to international celebs in sports, music and the arts. You’ll meet people from all walks of life, so you’ll need to be comfortable talking to people. You’re genuinely curious about them and their stories, and find it easy to establish rapport with others.
It’s not so bad being at work at 10 p.m. when it’s to wrap up a charity event featuring several Detroit sports legends you’ve admired your whole life.
As an editor, every day feels different. You’ll be working on a wide variety of projects—and you never know who’s going to stop by the station.
Preparation
To become a broadcast news editor, the first step is coursework in journalism, communications, English, or a similar writing-intensive field. If your school has a radio or TV station, be sure to take advantage of these invaluable hands-on broadcasting experiences!
A bachelor’s degree is a great start when pursuing a career as an editor at a TV or radio station. Internships give you a chance to experience the fast-paced world of broadcast media and develop quality relationships in the industry.
You’ll need to start out in an entry-level position and gain experience, and may find a master’s degree to be a helpful complement when pursuing an editor position.
Do you have the right stuff?
Do you have the right stuff?
Editor positions are quite demanding, highly competitive and require strong time management, organization and communication skills. Every day, you’ll need to manage competing priorities to stay on deadline.
Here are four skills and traits that are important for broadcast news editors:
Accuracy: Do you notice things others don’t? Accuracy builds trust, and you’re careful to ensure information is correct and verified. You’re also keen on grammar, style and spelling conventions and can spot a typo from the upper deck. People rely on you for accurate, trustworthy, and balanced information.
Strong Interpersonal Skills: You can talk to just about anyone and develop genuine rapport. Your staff and colleagues regard you as a great listener and leader. You’re exceedingly dependable, approachable, and you and you bring out the best in others.
Tenacity: You’re naturally curious, do your homework, and ask the right questions. Editors are tireless in their pursuit of the truth – and equally tenacious when it comes to quality, standards and protecting the integrity of the newsroom.
Integrity: Careers in broadcast media require a high level of integrity, truth, and journalistic/editorial standards. You don’t confuse news with opinion, and respect basic journalistic principles. Editors understand that reporting can be hurtful. You may decide the story is important enough for the risk; sometimes you walk away from it.
The fast-paced newsroom environment and deadlines are energizing to these communications maestros, who take pride in knowing they did their part to share important, accurate content with the public.
This senior level position manages the constant stream of information coming into the station. They are responsible for ensuring that the news stories are accurate, balanced, and adhere to the station’s editorial policies. Editors work closely with reporters, assigning them stories, providing guidance, and reviewing their work.
Radio and television stations depend on their editors to oversee the creation of high-quality, engaging journalistic content that attracts listeners/viewers. Editors develop ideas for future stories and are the final say on whether a story is ready for broadcast.
More Than Just a Job
A career in broadcast media is more than a job, it’s a way of life. It’s definitely not your typical 9-5 workday gig or an easy paycheck. But then, most things worth doing aren’t typical or easy. If this excites you, keep reading because it gets better.
Community outreach is a big part of the job. You’ll love getting out into the community to help local nonprofits and charities in need of a platform. And, it’s a lot of fun when the community comes into the station, too. On any given day you may run into the Pet of the Week, a local dance troupe, a chef, or Teacher of the Year.
As an editor, every day feels different—you’ll be working on a wide variety of projects. And you never know who’s going to stop by the station.
This incredible cast of characters can include anyone, from local heroes and everyday citizens to international celebs in sports, music and the arts. You’ll meet people from all walks of life, so you’ll need to be comfortable talking to people. You’re genuinely curious about them and their stories, and find it easy to establish rapport with others.
It’s not so bad being at work at 10 p.m. when it’s to wrap up a charity event featuring several Detroit sports legends you’ve admired your whole life.
PREPARATION
To become a broadcast news editor, the first step is coursework in journalism, communications, English, or a similar writing-intensive field. If your school has a radio or TV station, be sure to take advantage of these invaluable hands-on broadcasting experiences!
A bachelor’s degree is a great start when pursuing a career as an editor at a TV or radio station. Internships give you a chance to experience the fast-paced world of broadcast media and develop quality relationships in the industry.
You’ll need to start out in an entry-level position and gain experience, and may find a master’s degree to be a helpful complement when pursuing an editor position.
Have the right stuff?
Editor positions are quite demanding, highly competitive and require strong time management, organization and communication skills. Every day, you’ll need to manage competing priorities to stay on deadline.
Here are four other skills and traits that are important for broadcast news editors:
Accuracy: Do you notice things others don’t? Accuracy builds trust, and you’re careful to ensure information is correct and verified. You’re also keen on grammar, style and spelling conventions and can spot a typo from the upper deck. People rely on you for accurate, trustworthy, and balanced information.
Strong Interpersonal Skills: You can talk to just about anyone and develop genuine rapport. Your staff and colleagues regard you as a great listener and leader. You’re exceedingly dependable, approachable, and you and you bring out the best in others.
Tenacity: You’re naturally curious, do your homework, and ask the right questions. Editors are tireless in their pursuit of the truth – and equally tenacious when it comes to quality, standards and protecting the integrity of the newsroom.
Integrity: Careers in broadcast media require a high level of integrity, truth, and journalistic/editorial standards. You don’t confuse news with opinion, and respect basic journalistic principles. Editors understand that reporting can be hurtful. You may decide the story is important enough for the risk; sometimes you walk away from it.
A TEAM EFFORT
Comradery and teamwork are a big piece of the broadcast media experience. That’s especially the case as an editor. You’ll guide the newsroom and bring out the best in your staff. You share high expectations and work well together to achieve them.
There’s a lot going on with every broadcast. It takes many people with many talents all working together in synchrony to bring everything to life. You’ll experience much together. Trust one another. Lift each other up. Achieve and celebrate together.
Of course, there are other perks of being part of the team. You’ll join your colleagues at concerts and sporting events. You’ll encounter the arts, meet interesting people, and go on new adventures. Plus, a press pass is a beautiful thing.
Come join us.
Become a broadcast editor.
A TEAM EFFORT
Comradery and teamwork are a big part of the broadcast experience. You’ll need to be able to communicate effectively with others and be part of the team effort.
There are a lot of moving parts to every broadcast. It takes a lot of people working together in synchrony to bring everything to life.
You’ll experience a lot together. Trust one another. Lift each other up. Achieve and celebrate together.
Of course, there are other perks of being part of the team. You’ll join your colleagues at concerts and sporting events, meet interesting people and encounter the arts. Plus, a press pass is a beautiful thing.
Come join us.