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.
