Friday, April 20, 2007

How We Decide The News

Everyday, we have editorial meetings. These meetings are at the same times, everyday. The first one is at 9am followed by one at 11am and 3pm.

These meetings are an opportunity for the producers, content coordinators, reporters, photographers, promotions staff and management to come together and discuss possible stories. Most of the news decisions are made in advance of these meetings. In fact, many times the decisions are made a day in advance.

The purpose of the editorial meeting is to bring everyone in on the game plan, answer questions and adjust the plan, as necessary. It is also an opportunity to begin discussing potential stories for the following day(s).

Essentially what we do is go around the room and listen to all the story suggestions. We discuss stories that we have seen or heard in the community. We go over all the stories that viewers like you, have called or emailed to us. If the story is for a future day, it is handed to our station’s planning editor. More on that position, later. On average, the meetings last 30 minutes.

Every staff member has a voice in the editorial meetings. Through this blog, I am hoping to give you a voice in our editorial meetings, as well.

Here’s today’s webcast.

Jason