Placement Overview

This VIP works in Newspaper Publishing. Their job role is a Journalist employed principally as an Editor for the paper.

Generic Job Description for a Production Editor

Production Editors are also known as Features Editor’s. They work on newspapers and magazines and are responsible for the content and style of their publication. They usually work in a team of Editors and Journalists, Reporters and Publishers, putting together a range of newsworthy articles and features. The content of these features will depend on the type of publication and target audience.

Editorial duties can vary depending on the size of the publication and the seniority of the role, but are likely to include; holding regular features meetings to discuss the content of the publication, generating topics for articles, researching features, proofreading articles and maintaining the profile and image of the publication,

Skills:

• Excellent communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Creativity
• IT skills
• The ability to work as part of a team
• The ability to work well under pressure and reach deadlines
• Decision making skills

Pay:

• Entry £16,000 for smaller publications
• £18,000 - £30,000 with experience
• £35,000 or more for national glossy publications

Please not that salary figures are a guide only. Actual salaries may vary depending on the organisation and geographical location

Hours:

• Evening and weekend work is common
• Overtime if often required in order to meet print deadlines

Environment:

• Typically office based
• Newspaper and magazine offices can often be busy and noisy
• Some travel may be required to get stories

Qualifications:

• No set entry requirements
• A degree in Journalism may improve chances of employment
• Most degree courses require five GCSE passes grades A-C and two A-Levels
• Other relevant degree subjects include English, History and Politics 

Training:

• Training is usually on-the-job
• Training covers topics such as proofreading, writing, sub-editing, layout and design
• Professional development qualifications are available through the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) in subjects such as Feature Writing, Production and Design, Media Law and Shorthand

Opportunities:

• Opportunities exist in local publications across the UK, opportunities with large national publications however are concentrated around London, Edinburgh and the South of England
• Competition for jobs is fierce 

Links:

www.nctj.com - The National Council for the Training of Journalists

www.ppa.co.uk - The Periodical Publishers Association

www.newspapersoc.org.uk - Newspaper Society

ww.nuj.org.uk - National Union of Journalists