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Accuracy:
The sub editor should be obsessed with accuracy because one mistake can destroy the reputation of a newspaper or magazine, and it takes just fraction of a second to make one. Checking and crosschecking names, figures, and verifying facts are of utmost importance.
Attribution:
Always attribute the news to the source so that readers can judge its credibility. “A highly placed Defense Personnel, Finance Ministry Sources”, etc. are attributions that help readers to arrive at their own conclusions, while steering clear of the suspicion that the reporter is giving his own version of the story.
Balance and fairness:
Balance and fairness form the foundation of good editing. Balance is giving both sides of the picture, while fairness is not taking sides. It also means not providing support to political parties, institutions, communities or individuals, etc. through the columns of the newspaper. It is the attribute of a professional reporter and the duty of a sub editor to implement it.
Brevity:
Brevity is a great virtue in journalism appreciated by readers and editors alike. It is telling a story, as it should be, without beating around the bush. It saves time and space and wins applause when consummated to perfection.
Clarity:
Clarity is the ability to think clearly and translate it into paper - a quality that can take one to the higher echelons of media hierarchy. Readability has a bearing on sentence length and simple and forthright manner of expression.
Readability:
The average length of a sentence should not exceed 18 words, which is standard. It is not easy to read a sentence with more than 18 words. Beyond 25 words the sentence would be very difficult to read, though some accomplished authors have far exceeded the standard and yet remained readable because of their craftsmanship. But beginners are advised to stay out of long-winding and complicated sentence constructions. The best way is to write news
stories using simple words, short and simple sentences.
Human interest:
Using a style that arouses human interest is what the craft of editing is all about. Sub editors should see the events from the readers’ point of view and write the news stories keeping the reader ever in mind along with his hopes, fears and aspirations. The sub editor should identify himself with the proverbial common man who does not exist but represents the silent majority whom the journalist is duty-bound to defend and protect.
NatalieR answered the question on June 15, 2022 at 08:59