Reporters' rights: Expectations
of the city desk
By Dick Thien
Chips Quinn Writing Coach
A reporter has every
right to expect the city desk to:
1. Make assignments crystal clear. When that is not possible,
the city editor should say so and consult with you on the
possibilities of a situation that may be vague.
2. Make assignments sufficiently far in advance so that you
have adequate time in which to do your best work (when assignments
can be anticipated).
3. Explain, when matters of policy are concerned, any unusual
reasons why the newspaper is interested in a development or
any aspect of it. Sometimes those matters are obscure and
you should never have to guess.
4. Back up your memory with a superb futures file from which
come, always in plenty of time, clippings, memos and all related
material (with any inaccuracies in background material clearly
corrected).
5. Guide by informal conversation while the assignment is
being covered, if the assignment develops questions.
6. Support you in free access to the news so you will not
get out on a limb from which there is no returning.
7. Keep all assignments in channels so that you aren't talking
to another reporter's news sources without the latter having
been told and told why.
8. Assign a photographer or graphic artist quickly when needed.
9. Discuss with you BEFORE you write how long you think the
story ought to be or will be. If there is an emergency requiring
a longer or shorter story, decide and tell you BEFORE you
start to write.
10. Provide reliable portable computers, and efficient dictation
and rewrite service on deadline.
11. Consult with you on important changes in copy or emphasis.
Consider advice or argument from you.
12. Police the copy desk so that your meaning is faithfully
reproduced in print and in headlines.
13. Provide reporting aids, including reference books and
current publications.
14. Use your byline when appropriate.
15. Be enthusiastic about news.
About the column
Write It Right is updated regularly. Have a suggestion for
a future column, contact Dick
Thien.
Read Dick Thien's biography.
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