Managing Editor

( Originally Published 1913 )

THE newspaper, unless published in a small place, is under the direction of the managing editor, who may or may not be the editor-in-chief, and who is not necessarily a prolific and able writer. He is, in fact, the chief executive officer of every department of the newspaper, except those devoted to the business. As a rule, he em-ploys, or is responsible for, the heads of every department outside of the business and mechanical ones; and the editorial department, as a whole, may be under his direction. He usually engages most of the editors, and theoretically, all of the reporters, although the city editor is likely to control the local department.

To succeed, he must possess unusual executive ability, and be in the closest touch with affairs.

He is under the direction of only the editor-inchief, and receives his orders from him ; but he usually takes the initiative and attends to most of his duties without consulting any one, providing, of course, that he adheres to the policy of the newspaper.

His position is one of great responsibility, for the circulation of the paper and its standing in the community are largely due to his efforts.

The managing editor should be also familiar with the mechanical side of the newspaper, as well as with the editorial, news, and. reportorial requirements. He must keep in close touch with everything which goes on, including news in general, and it is his duty to originate as well as to direct.

His salary is about twenty-five per cent. less than that given to the editor-in-chief.

The position of editor-in-chief and managing editor may be merged into one office.

Some newspapers, however, do not label the editor in control with the title of editor-in-chief or managing editor, in which case the managing or controlling editor is known as the editor, the other officials being called assistant, editors or heads of departments.