Editor vs. Journalist: What Are the Differences?

Editors and journalists are both important roles within the media industry. Both positions require excellent writing and communication skills, as well as a passion for news and current events. However, there are several key differences between these two job titles. In this article, we discuss the similarities and differences between editors and journalists, and we provide helpful tips for those interested in pursuing a career in either field.

What is an Editor?

Editors are responsible for reviewing and editing written content for errors and inconsistencies before it is published. They work with writers and other content creators to ensure that the finished product meets all the necessary requirements, such as style, tone and length. Editors may also offer suggestions for improvements or ways to make the content more engaging or effective. In some cases, Editors may also be responsible for managing a team of writers or content creators. They may assign tasks, set deadlines and provide feedback to help their team members improve their skills.

What is a Journalist?

Journalists gather, verify and report information to the public through various mediums such as newspapers, magazines, television, radio and the internet. They investigate stories and interview sources to get both sides of a story. They may also take photographs or videos to accompany their stories. Journalists must be able to write clearly and concisely to relay information to the public in an easily digestible format. They must also be able to work quickly and under pressure to meet deadlines.

Editor vs. Journalist

Here are the main differences between an editor and a journalist.

Job Duties

One of the biggest differences between an editor and a journalist is the type of job duties each professional has. Journalists conduct research and interviews to find information that interests their audience, while editors evaluate the content that journalists produce to ensure it meets publication standards. Another key difference is that journalists only perform tasks related to gathering and reporting news, while editors also perform editing and publishing duties.

Editors typically have more desk-based jobs, as they spend most of their time working on computers. Journalists often travel for assignments, such as going to locations to interview sources or attend press conferences. Both professionals may occasionally work late hours or weekends as needed by their deadlines or stories.

Job Requirements

Editors and journalists typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in English, journalism or another related field. Some employers prefer candidates to have a master’s degree as well, but it is not required for entry-level positions. Additionally, many editors and journalists pursue certifications through the American Copy Editors Society (ACES) or the National Association of Science Writers (NASW). These organizations offer training programs that teach professionals how to use editing software and other tools they might need on the job.

Work Environment

Editors typically work in an office setting, but they may also travel to meet with clients and attend events. Journalists often work in newsrooms or other locations where they can access information quickly. They may spend a lot of time on the road reporting stories for their publications.

Editors usually work regular hours during the week, while journalists may work long hours when covering breaking news stories. Both editors and journalists may work weekends and holidays depending on their publication’s deadlines.

Skills

Both editors and journalists need to have excellent writing skills. They also both need to be able to edit their own work as well as the work of others for grammar, spelling and style. In addition, both need to have strong research skills in order to find accurate information to include in their stories.

However, there are some key differences in the skills that editors and journalists use on the job. Editors typically need to have stronger organizational skills than journalists because they are responsible for managing the content that goes into a publication. This can involve coordinating with different departments, such as advertising and marketing, to ensure that all the content is ready to be published on schedule. Editors also benefit from having project management skills to plan and oversee the production of a publication.

Journalists usually need to have stronger interviewing skills than editors because they rely on interviews to gather information for their stories. They also need to have good people skills so that they can build relationships with sources and get them to open up about the information they are looking for. Finally, journalists need to be able to think on their feet and be adaptable because they never know when a story will break or where they will need to go to get the information they need.

Salary

Editors can earn an average salary of $67,545 per year, while journalists can earn an average salary of $50,101 per year. Both of these average salaries may vary depending on the size of the company at which you work, location of your job and the level of experience you have prior to pursuing either position.