Managing editor facts for kids

A Managing Editor is a very important person on a team that creates news or other content for the public. Think of them as a top leader in places like newspapers, radio stations, or television networks. They help make sure everything runs smoothly and that the right stories get told.

What is a Managing Editor?

A Managing Editor is a senior member of a team that works in Mass media. Mass media means all the ways we share information with lots of people, like TV, radio, newspapers, and websites. The Managing Editor helps guide the whole team. They are often one of the most powerful people in the newsroom.

Their Role in Different Media

The job of a Managing Editor can be a bit different depending on where they work.

Newspapers and Magazines

In a newspaper or magazine company, the Managing Editor often works closely with the editor-in-chief. The editor-in-chief is the main boss who makes the big decisions about what the newspaper will cover. The Managing Editor helps put those plans into action every day. They make sure articles are written, edited, and ready to be published.

Radio and TV News

At big radio or television networks, the Managing Editor is often the top boss for news. They decide what news stories will be covered and how they will be presented. At smaller, local TV or radio stations, the Managing Editor usually works under a news director. The news director is in charge of all the news operations, and the Managing Editor helps them manage the daily tasks.

What Does a Managing Editor Do?

A Managing Editor has many important jobs. They are often responsible for:

• Overseeing Content: They make sure the news stories are accurate, fair, and interesting for the audience.
• Managing Staff: They help hire new reporters, editors, and other staff members. They can also promote people or, if necessary, let them go.
• Daily Operations: They manage the day-to-day work of the newsroom, making sure deadlines are met and everything runs on schedule.
• Making Decisions: They make important choices about which stories to focus on and how to present them to the public.

Sometimes, a Managing Editor might also have another job. For example, a famous news anchor (the person who reads the news on TV) might also be a Managing Editor. This means they not only present the news but also help decide what news gets on air and how the team works.

Famous Managing Editors

Some well-known people in news have also been Managing Editors:

• Tom Brokaw was a famous anchor for NBC Nightly News. He was also the Managing Editor, meaning he had a big say in what news was shown.
• Lou Dobbs worked at CNN as an anchor and Managing Editor. He also held a high leadership position as an executive vice president.
• Brit Hume was an anchor and the Managing Editor for the Fox News Channel's Washington DC office.

These examples show how important the role of a Managing Editor is in shaping the news we see and hear every day.