Are numbers relevant?

Copy Editing Class Assignment

1. The most important factor in the relationship between media and consumers is CREDIBILITY. P.32.

3. Diagram the flow of copy from the reporter through the copy-desk chief. P.37.
reporter> city editor (or assistant)> copy-desk chief> copy editor> copy-desk chief

4. List the segments of the three-step editing process. P.39.
Read the story. Edit it thoroughly. Reread the story.

5. What are the three R's o copy editing? P.43. Discuss...
reader-centered: focused on what the audience wants and needs.
readable: make the story you are telling clear and concise.
right: make the story objective, legal, ethical, tasteful, sensitive and correct mechanics.

6. Difference between proofreading and copy editing, P.53.
When you proof it is not the time to edit/rewrite.

7. Difference between macro editing and micro editing, P.56.
Macro is the big picture edit and micro is detailed.

8. Huntington City Council on Monday approved $435,000 for road repairs in the central c ity. The city's 2008 budget
for repairs was $410,000.
A. Did the budget for repairs increase or decrease? INCREASE
B. What was the percentage increase or decrease? 25,000/435,000*100= 5.75% INCREASE
C. Last year's budget was what percentage of this year's? 410,000/435,000*100=94.25%
D. This year's budget is what percentage of last year's? 435,000/410,000*100= 106%

9. Mayor Bart Jones announced more bad news. The city plans to spend $5.25 million on bridge repairs, a cut of 35 percent from its $6.5-million budget.
6.5 mil* 0.35 = 2,275,000 6.5 mil- 2,275,000= 4,2245,000 35% = 4,225,000 NOT 5.25

10. These were the scores on a test in JMC 305: 100,98,95,93,93,90,88,87,87,86,85,85,84,70
THE MEAN: 1241/14 =88.6 THE MEDIAN: 175/2= 87.5

11. These were the scores on a test in JMC 360: 100,98,95,93,93,90,88,87,87,86,85,85,84
THE MEAN: 1171/13= 90 THE MEDIAN: 88

12. What would the sales tax be on a purchase of $7.80 if the state charges a 6% sales tax?
7.80*0.06= .468 7.80+.47= $8.27



THOUGHTS...
The idea of checking numbers while you edit is important because as journalists we want to get the facts correct before it goes out to the public. Part of getting facts straight is making sure the numbers match or make sense. Now for most of us numbers aren't the easiest thing to check but there are websites to help out in a pinch. And it always helps if you have a math-wiz friend handy.