News editor is one of the toughest jobs on a paper, located bang on the fault line between management and workforce. It is a high pressure position that requires a sharp news sense, quick reflexes and ordered mind, complemented by well-developed diplomatic, motivational and social skills. As very few people have this mix it usually means the encumbent is unpopular with almost everyone; as ideal candidates are hard to come by many editors resort to appointing a self-centred, slightly paranoid bully.
Not so, the editor of the Crow (The Water Clock, Jim Kelly). who has appoint the ineffectual Bill Bracken.
... a striking illustration of the editor's ability to award jobs on the basis of inverse qualification ... in line with this innovaticve policy of positive discimination (Bracken) had got the news editor's job on the grounds that he was unable to deal with stress.
More typical is Lisa Marklund's Ingvar Johansson (Bomber) who can just about bring himself to briefly compliment Annika on a story.
"It's not bad," Ingvar Johansson said, turning around. "But that's all history. Tomorrow's paper is all that matters now."
Like all news editors is Johansson is driven by the constant fear that however well his team performs a rival might still get a better line (Studio 69).
"How the hell could we miss that angle? Maybe you could tell me that?"
Ink's news editor is Battersby
Battersby wore his hair brushed forward in a Nero style that made him look as if he were backing into a breeze. A jagged fringe hung down over his forehead. He had an abrupt manner and was apt to shut at people without warning. It wasn't clear if this was a way of trying impose his authority, or some neurological complaint he was unable to control.
Exit's news editor, Gary, is always up against deadlines, always fearful of the next yawningly empty newslist. Hence this exchange, when Constance is interviewing the manger of a shop called Fruits of the Churn. The phone rings...
"You've to return to base immediately," said the shop manager, smiling, as he replaced the receiver.
"Did they give a name?"
"Gary someone or other on newsdesk. Nice chap. He said 'Tell her fuck the cheese feature and get her arse back to the office'."
Quite.
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