Newspaper or magazine editor

Career path and progression

With experience as a local newspaper or magazine editor, you could move on to regional or national publications.

You could become editor-in-chief of a group of newspapers or magazine publishers, managing an editorial team.

You might move into the wider publishing world, for example working as a commissioning editor for a national or international publishing house.

You may also find opportunities to work freelance in broadcast and digital editorial roles.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• knowledge of English language
• knowledge of media production and communication
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• excellent written communication skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to work well with others
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to organise your time and workload
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Related subjects

Most relevant

• English Language - Newspaper or magazine editors need an excellent grasp of grammar, punctuation, and style to check and improve every piece of content before it's published. They spend much of their time editing copy, proofreading, and ensuring writing is clear, accurate, and engaging for readers.
• English Literature - Newspaper or magazine editors develop a strong sense of narrative, tone, and audience through wide reading – skills that are central to judging whether a piece of writing works. Understanding different writing styles and literary techniques helps them shape articles and features that connect with readers.
• Media Studies - Newspaper or magazine editors decide what to commission, how to present it, and when to publish across print, digital, and audio formats. Media Studies builds an understanding of how media industries operate, how audiences consume content, and how editorial choices around language and representation shape the way stories land.

Also relevant

• Business - Newspaper or magazine editors make commercial decisions about which content to commission and publish, balancing editorial quality with what will attract readers and advertisers. Understanding how media businesses generate revenue and manage budgets helps them run a publication successfully.
• Law - Newspaper or magazine editors must check content for legal issues such as libel, defamation, and breach of copyright before publication. Understanding media law helps them protect their publication from costly legal action while still publishing bold, important stories.
• Art and Design - Newspaper or magazine editors decide on page layouts, formatting, and visual presentation, working closely with designers and illustrators. An understanding of visual composition, typography, and how images and text work together helps them create publications that look professional and appealing.
• Sociology - Newspaper or magazine editors need to understand the communities and audiences they serve, including social trends, cultural shifts, and public concerns. This awareness helps them commission relevant content and ensure their publication reflects and engages with the world around it.
• Politics - Newspaper or magazine editors – especially those working on news publications – need a strong understanding of political systems, current affairs, and how government decisions affect people's lives. This knowledge helps them judge the significance of stories and ensure balanced, informed coverage.