Job Description
Editor-in-chief
Determine the overall editorial policy and the stance of the paper on major issues
Ensure that all published articles conform to the general policy of the paper
Accord priority to different news items
Perform the general administrative duties of the editorial department
Deputy Editor
Assist the Editor-in-chief to manage the day-to-day operation of the newspaper
News Editor
Identify events that are or will be of wide public interest
Ensure that there are enough reporters to cover all important events at any time
Distribute assignments among different reporters
Section Editor
In charge of one or several sections of a newspaper such as local news, world news, business and finance, education, sports and entertainment
Work as a chief reporter in his field and assign jobs to his subordinates
Select, check, revise and arrange materials for publication
Sub-editor
Edit news stories from reporters and wire services
Ensure that the content does not constitute libel, defamation or any infringement of law
Check copy for accuracy and presentation
Rewrite or modify articles on the basis that the revision does not alter or distort the original meaning to fit in the layout
Write headlines to highlight the essence of the news
Arrange and design the layout
Editorial/ Leader Writer
Write, in consultation with the editor and in accordance with the paper’s overall stance, comments on topics of current interests to attract public attention and discussions
Qualities and Qualifications
Have accurate and proficient writing skill
University or post-secondary graduates in mass communication, language or translation are preferred
Enthusiasm and interests in journalism
Bilingual in written Chinese and English and trilingual in spoken Cantonese, English and Putonghua. Knowledge of other languages is preferred
Good inter-personal and communication skills
Career Path
Editorial-in-chief |
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Deputy Editor |
News Editor |
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Section Editor |
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Editor |
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Sub-editor |
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Editorial Assistant / Trainee Journalist |
Reporter
Job Description
Report news events objectively (Some occasions are known in advance, e.g., the opening ceremony of a new hospital or a well-known celebrity's visit to Hong Kong. These events are marked in the editor's diary and will be assigned to different reporters.)
Report accidents or unforeseen events, e.g., traffic accident
Collect, validate and analyse information about newsworthy events by interview, investigation or observation
Write articles according to the style and policy of the newspaper
Annotate news by adding explanatory or background information where necessary
Prepare news articles on the spot and send to the office by computers for instant uploading to the web site
Photojournalists: reporters who take pictures and write articles to elaborate the pictures
A fresh school leaver usually enters the field as a junior reporter in the news section. He will start with easier assignments like covering luncheon talks. As he gains more experience, he will be assigned to attend press conferences on more controversial topics, interview VIPs (Very Important Persons) or bring in news stories on his own initiative. An experienced reporter who shows a special aptitude for certain topics may specialise in the section and become a business, court, or sports reporter.
Enthusiasm and interests in journalism
Bilingual in written Chinese and English and trilingual in spoken Cantonese, English and Putonghua. Knowledge of other languages is preferred
Good inter-personal and communication skills
Possess a flair for quick and accurate writing
Independent thinking and analytical ability
Have the sense of 'a nose for news' and constant and insatiable curiosity about the world
Adequate knowledge of current local and international affairs
Patient, persistent and objective
Possess basic computer knowledge; skills in photography and driving are preferred
Many newspapers prefer young people with university or post-secondary qualification in journalism or mass communication. Graduates of language, translation or social work will also be given some preference. Some may consider school-leavers who have attained a good standard at Secondary 7 level.
Competent at handling difficult situations
Good health
Press Photographer
Job Description
Tell stories with his camera by taking pictures of people, places or events
News Translator
Job Description
Translate overseas news communicated by foreign correspondents or piped through by news agencies into the required language
Qualities and Qualifications
Proficient in related languages
General knowledge of news writing and editing is helpful
University or post-secondary qualification in translation is preferred
Job Description
Feature Writer/ Columnist
Write, from personal observations or knowledge, feature columns or articles on special topics, such as computer, gardening, beauty, travel or cookery. (Some features are written by the staff of newspaper but many columns are contributed by free-lancers who may write for several newspapers.)
Proof Reader
Proofread assembled articles and correct any error
Layout Artist
Ensure that every step is carried out smoothly and all requirements are met
Prepare layouts and illustrations for publication
Plan the layout of texts and graphics in consultation with editors
Technician
Upload news, photos and video clips through the Internet
Maintain and repair the computer systems
News Librarian
Monitor the operation of the library
Organise, develop and maintain a systematic collection of clips, photographs, books, periodicals and other materials and make them available to library users (Some newspapers have computerised records including overseas clippings.)