The Inner Workings of Magazine Publishing
32818
Society
May 23, 2007
vgevge
The Inner Workings of Magazine Publishing
What is the working protocol of journalism especially for magazines? Also what is the role of editor-in-chief in a magazine and the working hierarchy in a magazine... who reports to whom? Also how much should the editor-in-chief allow the owners/publishers/directors of the media company to interfere in the editorial content? These are just some of the questions that is normally asked about the inner workings of a magazine. First, I'm not sure what you mean by "working protocol of journalism." Are you talking about relationships with sources, between editors and reporters, or something else? In the context of your other questions, I wonder if you mean something to do with editorial authority, too. Second,Various journalism roles can vary quite a bit, actually, from publication to publication. Some companies have more "hands-on" management styles, while others give their executives more autonomy. But, in general, the editor-in-chief has control over the publication's editorial contents and direction, just as the advertising director has control over the ad contents, placement, and policies. That doesn't mean the editor is God, because he/she shares power with other high-ranking executives. The editor's greatest management skill is in working effectively with people -- knowing how to negotiate with other power brokers who have a say in how the magazine is put together, distributed, etc. I'll give you an example of hierarchy: In the trade magazine publishing company where I worked, there was an individual editor over each magazine. We shared a pool of in-house writers, and we each contracted separately with freelancers as needed. There also was an advertising director who managed the ad sales and placement for each of the three magazines. If I didn't like the ad placement in my magazine, I could go to her and negotiate; she was usually agreeable within reason. (Of course, we usually prevented negotiations by talking in advance about special features that would need special space, and she was conversant with our standard placement of recurring features, etc.) We also worked with execs at various support companies -- R.R. Donnelley printing in Senatobia, Miss., which required us to meet certain format standards with what we submitted and to adhere to agreed-upon timetables; and the company that wrapped, labeled, and mailed our magazines, which required clear directives, correct mailing label files, and adherence to agreed-upon timetables. We also worked with the business office in our publishing company to communicate clearly about incoming bills from freelancers (then signing off on them) and other issues. In other words, the hierarchy is broader, and less linear, than I thought it would be from my studies in journalism. The real world is much, much, much more "cooperative" than it is territory based. And, sadly for editors, the power tends to reside where the money is (hint: Not in the editorial offices). Often, the ad director swings a bigger stick than you will as an editor. Make close friends with the ad director -- do favors when you can. You'll need to call those favors in at some point. Make sure you develop a relationship as allies rather than as adversaries. Last, The editor-in-chief has limited options in how much he lets the magazine's owners, publishers, and other higher-ups interfere with the editorial content. He should establish the extent of his authority when he is hired and, if possible, have it spelled out in writing. Clear upfront communications are the best preventative step. He can help prevent problems by communicating clearly with his bosses about editorial directions and getting buy-in as he goes along rather than waiting for issues to arise. If issues are raised later on, the editor's best tool is to be persuasive to his bosses and help them understand why his editorial judgment should prevail. However, when push comes to shove, the editor's choices are limited: Stay and bow to his boss's wishes, violate his boss's wishes and take the consequences, or quit. If he has an employment contract that has been violated, he may consider suing, but that would be rare. Often, compromise (within the limits of your personal ethics) is the best option.
Victor Epand is an expert consultant at http://www.4Magazines.info/. 4Magazines.info offers the greatest magazine subscriptions from a variety of top publishers. Browse through our selection of Lifestyle Magazines here: http://www.4Magazines.info/category/lifestyle.html.
send email to vgevge
Write a Review
Add to My Favorite
Refer it to Friend
Report Article
Other links owned by this user
This article is about everything you need to know about cymbals. It defines how the cymbals work, their various roles and functions and different types.
Category:
This article tells you how you can make your computer faster and more efficient by installing or upgrading the RAM.
Category:
This article talks about haveing an in-house jeweler at the store that why you can take the ring back if you need help with something.
Category:
How to ensure the best price for your costume jewelry
Category:
This article is about the online process of learning keyboard music synthesizers. It will help the readers to utilize the procedure effectively.
Category:
This article talks about the different kinds of styles that you could use to mount your stones, but suggest you go to a jeweler to get a mounting done.
Category:
This article tell you how to take care of your opal jewelry and what kind of a gemstone opal is.
Category:
This article gives a few simple suggestions about how to tell if gold is real or not.
Category:
This article talks about the care of african violets, its rest period, and what colors they might bloom.
Category:
This article talks about the different types of companies that make train models and what you should look for when you buy a model train.
Category:
Want to try something really unique? well, just for customized jewelry items
Category:
This article tells you about precious and semi-precious gemstones that are found to be very close to the deep blue color of earth from space.
Category:
A slow computer might indicate problems in the registry files. Check registry files regularly to ensure your PC does not have any let-offs.
Category:
This article contains the benefits of online purchasing of computer accessories.
Category:
This article gives instructions and technical assistance for installing Norton Inernet Security.
Category:
This article is about how to arrange silk flowers by height, color, and amount.
Category:
This article describes why a large number of people go for second hand computers and what precautions should one take while buying it.
Category:
This article talks about the difference between a real pearl and a fake pearl and what to look for when you are shopping for pearls.
Category:
The article describes various drum accessories like bags and cases, drum parts, drum skins, drum tuning keys, practice pads, sticks, and beaters and stools. They are the backbone of the drum without which the instrument would be incomplete.
Category:
This is an article that deals with the various previously used computer games.
Category:
Other links at Society
The best place to purchase Celtic wedding rings is on the internet, but there are definitely concerns that need to be addressed when purchasing a piece of jewelry that you will wear every day for the rest of your life on line. Written by an industry exper
Category:
Rocking horses still rock. This traditional gift has sustained popularity for hundreds of years literally, despite the light flashing and noise blurting games of today.
Category:
One of the biggest security issues these days is that of identity theft, people can get your vital information like your social security number, birth date, credit card number and other critical material from your home via your computer at home, your tras
Category:
Clothes make a wonderful gift because they show a man's interest in a woman's personal style and can wind up being prized items like a favorite sweater or beloved purse.
Category:
Whether you have a large project that needs to be translated or a small, one time project need, the free online translations services available can assist you, no matter what your needs.
Category:
Site Sponsor
Directory Statistics
Articles: 68222
Categories: 501
Yahoo Entertainment
