assignment in newspaper definition

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Newspaper Article

Newspaper Article Conventions :

Newspaper articles are focused on sharing the essential points of a given topic with a wide readership.  Newspaper articles typically follow a standard format: they address the 5Ws (who, what, where, when, and why).  The article will then go into greater detail and provide the key ideas and information that the general readership should know.  There is often a focus on speaking to witnesses or getting an interview with people who are closely related to the subject of the article; as such, you will often find a lot of quotations being used to qualify and quantify claims and data being presented.  

La Rose, L. (2017, June 7). From Gander to Broadway: The journey of ‘Come From Away’. The Canadian Press. Retrieved from https://globalnews.ca/news/3509415/from-gander-to-broadway-the-journey-of-come-from-away/

Article: From Gander to Broadway: The journey of ‘Come From Away’

By Lauren La Rose

As a theatre producer in Toronto [ where ], Michael Rubinoff [ who ] was always on the lookout for stories that would translate into musicals [ why ]. He found unexpected inspiration in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks [ when & what ].

The remote East Coast town of Gander, N.L., saw its population double in size as it provided refuge to 6,579 passengers and crew members from 38 planes after U.S. airspace was closed. Reports about the hospitality shown by the people in Gander and surrounding communities immediately struck a chord.

“As I learned more about the stories out there, (in) Newfoundland the way they tell stories are through music. Music is so much a part of their DNA and who they are. I really believed there was a compelling story and a compelling reason to musical-ize it.”

Rubinoff’s idea would eventually lead to the unlikely success story “Come From Away,” the feel-good musical that’s up for seven Tony Awards on Sunday, including best musical.

But finding the writers to tell the story was a challenge.

“I went to a number of people who didn’t share my enthusiasm, I think because of the subject matter and the backdrop of that day, people didn’t see how this was possible. I’m so grateful my paths crossed with David Hein and Irene Sankoff.”

Rubinoff was sold on the husband-and-wife duo after seeing their acclaimed show “My Mother’s Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding,” based on real-life events in Hein’s life.

Rubinoff sent a Facebook message to the couple and met them for dinner a few weeks later, where he told them about wanting to find someone to write the musical about the events in Gander. They were on-board.

Rubinoff was in the midst of taking up his role as associate dean of visual and performing arts at Sheridan College in Oakville, Ont., which would ultimately serve as a key stop in the musical’s storybook journey from Newfoundland and Labrador to Broadway.

One of Rubinoff’s strategic objectives at the school was to launch the Canadian Music Theatre Project (CMTP) and he committed to Sankoff and Hein that the Gander musical would be among the first shows Sheridan would produce.

Rubinoff also wrote a letter in support of a Canada Council grant to get the couple to Gander for the 10th anniversary of 9/11, where they got to experience the warm welcome Newfoundlanders had extended to the stranded passengers and crew in 2001.

“We would check in every couple of days and they would say, ‘Oh, we just moved out the hotel -someone gave us their house and said take care of the cats,”‘ he recalled. “They were being the recipients of this outpouring of kindness and they came back with stacks and stacks and stacks of interviews and materials and stories, and set about this challenge of how to tell 9,000 stories of the locals and 7,000 stories of the people that showed up on 38 planes.”

The working title of the show was originally “Gander,” but after Sankoff and Hein returned from their time there they felt the moniker wasn’t the right fit.

“They didn’t want to call it ‘Gander’ because there were a number of communities involved. Lewisporte, Appleton, Norris Arm, Gambo, Glenwood, they all played a very significant role,” Rubinoff said.

In the spring of 2012, Rubinoff paired the duo with a cast of Sheridan students and brought in a director and musical director. The goal was to produce 45 minutes of the show in five weeks.

“I usually like to come in at the rehearsal at the end of the first week … and I’ll never forget hearing the opening number ‘Welcome to the Rock’ and that refrain: ‘I’m an islander, I’m an islander,’ and (thinking) ‘Wow! This is grabbing my heart in the same way the story did initially.”‘

Rubinoff decided to house the initial performances of the show in the rehearsal hall to lower expectations for the fledgling musical.

“I think on the first night, I put out 35 chairs. On the second night, 45. And then 60. And on the next night, 75 – and we could not fit any more people in this room,” he recalled.

Although it’s now a 100-minute show with no intermission, Zeyl recalled the emotional wallop delivered at the end of Act 1 during the musical’s early days.

“We had no idea what we were getting into; we just knew the title of the show, basically, and we all left just crying at the end of just the first act,” Zeyl recalled. “I remember speaking to the writers and just gushing about it and (saying) ‘Just please, please, please continue what you’re doing…. We knew it was going somewhere. I don’t think anyone (could) say, ‘This will have seven Tony nominations.’ Obviously, it was beautiful work.”

Rubinoff encouraged Sankoff and Hein to keep working on “Come From Away,” which was programmed as a developmental production at Sheridan in early 2013.

The show was then submitted for consideration to the Festival of New Musicals, organized by the New York-based National Alliance for Musical Theatre. It was the same festival where Canadian musical “The Drowsy Chaperone” also found its commercial producers. “The Drowsy Chaperone” went on to pick up 13 Tony nominations, including a nod for best musical, and won five awards including best book of a musical and best original score.

“Come From Away” was among eight shows that made the cut. In October 2013, a 45-minute showcase was staged for an invite-only crowd of producers, regional theatres and academic institutions that create new musicals.

“People just reacted so emotionally,” said Rubinoff. “I think there were people who felt ‘I don’t know what this is, I don’t know if I want to see this, I don’t know if I’m ready to see this’ – and there was again just an outpouring of gratitude.”

Sankoff and Hein opted to partner with Tony-winning Junkyard Dog Productions as lead producers on “Come From Away.” Their behind-the-scenes team – including Tony-nominated director Christopher Ashley – began to take shape.

The musical would eventually be staged in La Jolla, Calif., Seattle, Washington, D.C. and Toronto before its current award-winning run on Broadway. But Rubinoff still sees a slice of Sheridan on whichever stage “Come From Away” is playing.

“When I do see the show, I do think of our students, I do think of those moments, the creation, the genesis. It’s really beautiful to see that.”

© 2017 The Canadian Press

Newspaper Article Copyright © 2023 by Sheridan College. All Rights Reserved.

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That actually explain what's on your next test, assignment editor, from class:, radio newsroom.

An assignment editor is a crucial role in newsrooms, responsible for managing and prioritizing news stories and assigning reporters to cover them. This position acts as the communication hub for journalists, ensuring they have the necessary resources and information to report effectively. The assignment editor also monitors breaking news developments, making quick decisions on coverage and resource allocation, which connects directly to the overall flow and direction of the newsroom's activities.

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5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

• Assignment editors play a key role in the editorial decision-making process, influencing what stories get covered based on urgency and relevance.
• They must possess excellent communication skills, as they liaise between reporters, producers, and other newsroom staff to ensure effective news coverage.
• In times of breaking news, assignment editors must think quickly and adapt plans to allocate resources efficiently to cover the story.
• They often analyze incoming news tips and leads to determine which stories are worth pursuing and which may be less significant.
• Assignment editors also track ongoing stories, providing updates and continuity for reporters while ensuring that deadlines are met.

Review Questions

• The assignment editor significantly influences the types of stories reported by prioritizing which events or issues receive coverage based on their importance and timeliness. They assess incoming news leads, considering factors like public interest and impact. This editorial decision-making helps shape the overall content of news broadcasts or publications by determining which reporters will cover specific assignments.
• When managing breaking news situations, an assignment editor faces unique challenges such as time constraints, the need for rapid decision-making, and fluctuating resource availability. Unlike regular assignments that allow for more planning, breaking news requires immediate action, often forcing the editor to quickly gather information and assign reporters to cover dynamic situations. This can lead to high-pressure environments where accuracy and speed are critical.
• Technology has profoundly impacted the role of an assignment editor by streamlining communication, enhancing information access, and allowing for real-time updates during breaking news. With digital tools and platforms for collaboration, assignment editors can quickly disseminate information to reporters and track developments more efficiently. This evolution enables them to make faster decisions about story assignments and coverage, ultimately improving responsiveness to audience needs in a fast-paced media landscape.

Related terms

News Desk : The central area in a newsroom where editors, assignment editors, and producers coordinate news coverage and manage reporters.

Reporter : A journalist who investigates, researches, and writes news stories for publication or broadcast.

Breaking News : News that is currently unfolding or developing rapidly, requiring immediate attention and often leading to real-time updates.

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• Newswriting
• Reporting in Depth
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A Comprehensive Guide to News Assignment Editor Careers

• Published: November 26, 2023
• By: Yellowbrick

In the fast-paced world of journalism, news assignment editors play a crucial role in ensuring that stories are covered efficiently and effectively. These professionals are responsible for coordinating and assigning reporters to various news stories, managing deadlines, and ensuring that newsrooms run smoothly. If you have a passion for news and a knack for organization, a career as a news assignment editor may be the perfect fit for you. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the ins and outs of news assignment editor jobs, including the skills required, the responsibilities involved, and the steps you can take to land your dream job in this exciting field.

1. What is a News Assignment Editor?

A news assignment editor is a key player in the newsroom who is responsible for determining which news stories will be covered and assigning reporters to cover them. They work closely with reporters, photographers, and other newsroom staff to ensure that news stories are covered accurately and efficiently. News assignment editors also play a crucial role in managing deadlines and ensuring that news stories are delivered on time.

2. Skills Required for News Assignment Editor Jobs

To excel as a news assignment editor, certain skills are essential. These skills include:

• Strong Organizational Skills: News assignment editors must be highly organized individuals who can juggle multiple tasks and assignments simultaneously. They need to keep track of various news stories, assign reporters to cover them, and ensure that deadlines are met.
• Excellent Communication Skills: Effective communication is key in the news industry. News assignment editors must be able to clearly convey instructions and expectations to reporters and other newsroom staff. They must also be skilled at building relationships and networking with various sources and contacts.
• News Judgment: News assignment editors need to have a keen sense of news judgment and be able to identify which stories are newsworthy. They must be able to assess the importance and impact of different news stories and assign reporters accordingly.
• Problem-Solving Abilities: In a fast-paced news environment, problems and challenges are bound to arise. News assignment editors must be quick thinkers who can come up with solutions on the spot. They need to be able to handle unexpected situations and make decisions under pressure.
• Knowledge of News Industry: A deep understanding of the news industry is crucial for news assignment editors. They must stay up-to-date with current events, news trends, and industry developments. This knowledge helps them make informed decisions and assign reporters to stories that align with the news organization’s goals and values.

3. Responsibilities of a News Assignment Editor

News assignment editors have a wide range of responsibilities that contribute to the smooth functioning of a newsroom. Some of the key responsibilities include:

• Story Assignment: News assignment editors are responsible for determining which news stories will be covered by the news organization. They assess the importance and relevance of different stories and assign reporters accordingly.
• Deadline Management: Meeting deadlines is crucial in the news industry. News assignment editors play a crucial role in ensuring that reporters deliver their stories on time. They must effectively manage deadlines and communicate expectations to reporters.
• Coordination with Reporters: News assignment editors work closely with reporters, providing them with assignments, guidance, and support. They must ensure that reporters have all the necessary information and resources to cover their assigned stories.
• Communication with Other Newsroom Staff: News assignment editors are the bridge between reporters and other newsroom staff. They must effectively communicate with photographers, videographers, editors, and other team members to ensure that all aspects of a news story are covered.
• Newsroom Collaboration: News assignment editors collaborate with other newsroom staff to ensure the smooth functioning of the news organization. They work closely with editors, producers, and news directors to align coverage with the organization’s goals and objectives.
• Breaking News Coverage: In the event of breaking news, news assignment editors must be able to quickly mobilize resources and assign reporters to cover the story. They must be able to make quick decisions and adapt to changing circumstances.

4. How to Become a News Assignment Editor

If you aspire to become a news assignment editor, here are some steps you can take to kickstart your career:

• Pursue a Journalism Degree: While a journalism degree is not always required, it can provide you with a solid foundation in news reporting and journalism ethics. Consider pursuing a degree in journalism, media studies, or a related field.
• Gain Experience: Internships and entry-level positions in news organizations can provide valuable hands-on experience and help you develop the skills necessary for a career as a news assignment editor. Look for opportunities to work in newsrooms and gain exposure to newsroom operations.
• Hone Your Skills: Aspiring news assignment editors should focus on developing the skills required for the role. Work on improving your organizational skills, communication abilities, and news judgment. Seek feedback from mentors and supervisors to identify areas for improvement.
• Network: Networking is crucial in the news industry. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with journalists and newsroom professionals. Building relationships can open doors to job opportunities and help you stay informed about industry developments.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with current events and news trends. Read newspapers, follow news websites, and engage with news content across various platforms. A deep understanding of the news industry will make you a more effective news assignment editor.
• Further Education: Consider pursuing advanced education or specialized training in journalism or a related field. This can help you stand out from the competition and enhance your knowledge and skills.

Key Takeaways:

• News assignment editors play a crucial role in coordinating and assigning reporters to cover news stories, managing deadlines, and ensuring the smooth functioning of newsrooms.
• Skills required for news assignment editor jobs include strong organizational skills, excellent communication abilities, news judgment, problem-solving abilities, and knowledge of the news industry.
• Responsibilities of news assignment editors include story assignment, deadline management, coordination with reporters and other newsroom staff, newsroom collaboration, and breaking news coverage.
• To become a news assignment editor, consider pursuing a journalism degree, gaining experience through internships and entry-level positions, honing your skills, networking, staying informed about current events and news trends, and considering further education or specialized training.

Consider taking the “NYU | Modern Journalism” online course and certificate program offered by Yellowbrick to further develop your skills and knowledge in the field of journalism. This comprehensive program can provide you with valuable insights and practical experience to excel as a news assignment editor. Take the next step towards your dream career and enroll in the “NYU | Modern Journalism” course today.

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