I’ve been doing quite a lot of sub-editing work lately, most of it for a local newspaper that’s part of Johnston Press. I used to work there as an employee before turning freelance, so I’ve known many of the people there for years.
The day of reckoning is fast approaching – the introduction of the new InDesign Atex system that lets reporters write directly to page, adding their own headlines, etc and so bypassing the need for sub-editors. Allegedly.
This will effectively wipe out a whole stratum of journalists who are the checks and balances of a newspaper. (If you want to know exactly what sub editors do, see here.)
I’m sure you can guess where my sympathies lie. But speaking as a both a writer and a sub, I know you can never have too many eyes on your words.
It’s a sad, dispiriting situation even for me as a freelance let alone for the full-time staff, who are responding with industrial action.
Good article… check out http://xetasblog.blogspot.com/
for more articles on their new system.