The course is divided into five modules, combining practical strategies, newsroom examples, and activities:

Introduction Module: An Overview of Roles and Rhythms

Newsrooms rely on structures, roles, and routines to make decisions under pressure. This module introduces common editorial roles, their responsibilities, and how they fit into the larger flow of the newsroom.

Learning Outcomes:

• Identify common editorial roles and their core responsibilities
• Explain how newsroom routines support decision-making under deadline pressure
• Recognize how their role fits into the larger news flow

Guest speakers: Mitchell Stephens, professor of history at New York University, and Andrew Pettegree, professor of history at the University of St. Andrews.

Module 1: How the News Gets Going (Oct. 19–25)

Editors begin each news cycle by deciding what to cover, who should cover it, and how to make the plan work when news changes. This module explores assignments, deadlines, story development, and coverage planning.

Learning Outcomes:

• Evaluate assignments based on news value, urgency, feasibility, and resources
• Create clear assignments with deadlines and expected deliverables
• Plan coverage while leaving room for breaking news

Module 2: Taking Stock (Oct. 26–Nov. 1)

Once reporting begins, editors assess what reporters have found, identify the strongest stories, and determine what guidance is needed. This module focuses on debriefing, developing story plans, identifying gaps, and coordinating coverage.

Learning Outcomes:

• Debrief reporters to identify findings, gaps, and standards issues
• Turn reporting into focused plans for writing
• Build a prioritized story list across developing coverage

Module 3: From Draft to Done (Nov. 2–8)

When stories are filed, editors shape them for publication while managing deadlines, priorities, visuals, and audience needs. This module covers substantive editing, story prioritization, publication decisions, and newsroom coordination.

Learning Outcomes:

• Evaluate drafts for accuracy, fairness, completeness, and clarity
• Prioritize stories for publication and audience attention
• Coordinate with editorial, visual, and audience teams
• Recognize when standards concerns require escalation or additional reporting

Module 4: Getting It Right (Nov. 9–15)

Editors play a critical role in preventing errors, omissions, and ethical problems from reaching publication. This module examines how to identify and address standards issues while working constructively with reporters and newsroom leaders.

Learning Outcomes:

• Identify where errors, omissions, and ethical problems can enter a story
• Determine when to question, escalate, rewrite, hold, or kill a story
• Uphold fairness, accuracy, and ethical judgment across the newsroom

 

Enroll now to get immediate access to the Introduction Module. 

Questions? Contact us at journalismcourses@austin.utexas.edu.