Changing editorial priorities

Before I joined Reuters in 1974, I was assistant news director of WINS-AM all-news radio. I handled the contest entries. Policy changes are NOT necessary [Reuters changes editorial priorities in quest for Pulitzers]. The prizes begin at the assignment editor level. The second step is giving reporters freedom to pursue major stories without producing smaller stories on their beats. The third phase is editing with the help of the reporter. Merit is also determined by consequences that follow publication. I was a full faculty member of the Graduate School of Journalism at Columbia University, while I worked the overnight in New York in 1983-1984. Reuters has the staff and the editing to win Pulitzer Prizes. The new management may be the key. ■