How to Run an Editorial Meeting
Establish Ground Rules
An editorial meeting needs a leader (usually the News Director) whose role* is to set some key ground rules:
- There are no bad ideas
- There are time limits
- Interruptions discouraged
- Questions, context encouraged
The most important ground rule is that "it's not personal." Sometimes comments and questions about a story idea can feel like an attack on someone's intellect and ability. They aren't. The person leading the editorial meeting needs to reinforce the fact that critical thinking is essential to good journalism.
* Much more on the role of News Directors can be found in the PRNDI/LNI-developed Public Radio News Director Guide
JMEGS is funded by NPR's Local News Initiative, in cooperation with the Public Radio News Directors.
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