The first lecture by Mr. K G Suresh focused on the basic fundamentals of editing. We were given a brief insight into the job of a newspaper editor and how an actual news copy is edited and made fit for publication. The lecture primarily focused on various factors which should be kept in mind while writing a good news copy.

Some of the factors which are essential for preparing a good news copy are as follows:-

1.Being professional: The writing must be formal and crisp. But simple and conveying the news in short.

2.Maintain reader’s attention: It should be a good copy, useful to the reader. It should not just have an attractive headline; the body needs to be relevant as well.

3.Presentable: The copy must have a proper layout, good captions, headings, significant boxed items, stats and figures, boxed backgrounders, headlines in place, sub headings, proper graphs and photographs.

4.Copy fit for publication: The final copy must be credible as well as fit for publication.

5.Highlighting the relevant: The copy should look relevant for the public at large, it needs to touch the core of the people.

6.Factual: Facts are sacred. So, they need to be correct. It is very important to be cautious.

7.Selection of content: It should always touch the target audience.

8.Sentiments should not be hurt.

9.Effective: Words, nuances, various terms that make a copy effective must be used.

10.Bias: The copy should always be objective. An impartial delivery is a must.    A copy must never be one sided, both versions must be addressed.

11.Error- free: It is very important for the copy to be error free.

12.Co-ordinating.

13.Inverted pyramid structure: The most important part of the copy must always come first.

14.Backgrounds: A brief backgrounder is important in a copy, not just for the first time readers but also to refresh the memory of the public.

Also, the editor should be aware of his target audience and the news copy should be prepared accordingly. The article should be able to engross the reader and captivate his attention throughout. The Editor should also try to chalk out a fine balance between the demands of his readers and the inclinations of the newspaper’s corporate ownership. A bias towards either direction can be damaging for any news copy. Moreover, the lecture emphasized on how having good general awareness is pivotal for any news editor. He should be well versed with the happenings around him and portray them accurately, whenever he is called upon to do so. We also had a discussion about how vital it is for any editor to take an interest in all fields and develop qualities like curiosity and inquisitiveness.