Chapter 2

Week five in the course reader Chapter 2 of the book “The Art of editing” looks at the relationship between the Editor and the Audience. Asking key pertinent questions;

One key issue raised in the chapter is the disconnection between the editor and the audience. There is a breakdown between the editors and the audience especially on what is produced. In most cases the editor’s role is to follow the principles that govern any publication. This at times limits the expectations of the audience. The disconnect is vividly seen among the consumption of newspaper among the youth. Its noted in the chapter that Clearly, young people are more willing—and more eager—to consume information from a computer screen than from the printed page. By implication

As an Editor it’s very important to consider how information will be consumed. Its key to note that there is no single medium doing enough to satisfy the public’s thirst for information. Evaluating the media mix will enable the editor to identify the different channels of communication in order to serve the audience better. A combination of varied channels will lead to more access to information. A combination Radio, Television, Newspapers provides the editor with varied options to deliver the information. However these channels have their own limitations. The Internet allows editors to overcome all those limitations and adopt all those good traits, which is why many consider it the medium of the future. Application to the editor, in this information age, editors needs to be aware of the changing needs and demands of information. It’s therefore paramount for any editor to consider the media mix, infomedium and how fast they can disseminate

The most important factor in the relationship between media and consumers is credibility. Editors in their work need to consider this as crucial to the success of the media house. Editors also need to be aware of the inaccuracy and the increasing number of spelling and grammar mistakes. The chapter notes that “the public believes that the reporter’s job is to report the facts—completely, insightfully and without spin, and clean of any intent to sway or convince.” In the same line it is believed that “members of the public who have had actual experience with the news process are the most critical of media