Ask an editor ...

From Maria Reeve, Politics Team Leader, St. Paul Pioneer Press.
 
What are some of the challenges facing you as an editor? Given the economic 
climate and the state of journalism, etc. The main challenge I fact every day is 
how to cover those topics i really think need examination with the resouces/staff 
I have. It is a constant source of frustration to know there are seven stories I'd 
like to get to, but I can only truly do maybe three. So we pick the best one. 
We focus our attention on those stories that will appeal to the broadest audience, 
is important, will go further in explaining some issue and frankly, those that AP 
isn't covering.
We're also challenged to figure out what do our readers most need to know 
and what is the best way to get that info to them. Is it i the blog? Online only? 
Alternative story form/graphics?
 
At the same time, what are some of the exciting things on your radar?
 
What's exciting is that I have really smart and really experienced reporters and they are a 
total blast to work with. We are excited about covering a session that 
should come down to how do you close the budget gap, in what direction do we want 
the state to go as we look at who wil be the next governor. It's also exciting to see 
whether our governor will make a run for president. Learning new platforms through 
which to communicate: blogs, twitter, facebook, online, etc.
 
What makes a good editor, great?

Everyone's had good and bad editors. The best ones had these things in common: 
They listened. They allowed mistakes to be made and to be teaching moments. 
They were supportive and direct. Great editors are also risk takers. Great editors 
don't play favorites. Great editors don't know everything. Great editors give feedback. 
Great editors have a sense of humor. Great editors can deliver bad news without 
crushing the soul. Great editors are not vindictive. Great editors know that protecting 
the enterprise, the reputation, the public trust is of utmost importance.