Investing Time Will Save You Time
Of all the little fixes that have to be done five minutes before the show goes on air, copy editing and rewriting scripts is never something that I want to do. As a web/graphics producer this week, my main focus was filling out graphic request forms and making sure the graphics were completed. However, I didn't hesitate to help an MJ sitting next to me write and research her script because I knew that when it was done, it would actually be done. I know that having both me and Fernando look through her script made it very clean. Also, if I can take the time to help MJ's use the proper sources and write well, then the video producer's job will be much simpler.
As for copy editing techniques, it really helped me and the writers to read the script out loud. Also, when news sources have conflicting information I turn to the AP story. I always look out for phrases or acronyms that need dashes to avoid unnecessary bloopers. Like everything in the newsroom, the better the scripts, the easier it is for others to do their job. When MJs, Reporters, and Producers take the time to do things well, everything runs smoother. I find it useful to think about the requirements of other positions and what would be helpful to others as you work.
