As a general rule, most DPAs placing news stories with their local daily newspapers will work with a reporter from the city desk. In some cases, large newspapers may have a religion reporter.

When you are placing stories with weekly newspapers, most reporters will likely be happy to work with you.

Newsrooms are busy places with constant deadlines. Keep your appointments very brief and away from deadlines. Be respectful of your contact’s time. Make sure your contact knows how to reach you.

Listed below are the basic positions found in a newsroom that may help you as you associate with large newspapers and television stations:

The managing editor is responsible for the successful oversight of the newsroom.

Reporters are responsible for researching and writing their stories. They are responsible to either find their own stories or follow up on stories and leads given to them by an editor. Many journalists have specific beats assigned to them by their editor such as health, local government, business, and religion. Reporters are expected to develop expertise and contacts in their beats.

Editors are responsible for editing a reporter's story before it is printed in the newspaper. The copy desk is responsible for writing the headlines for every story.

In the television newsroom, the news director is responsible for overall direction. The assignment editor determines which reporters will cover what stories.

The broadcast journalist or reporter is responsible for getting the news story. Most newsrooms have reporters assigned to various beats.

A producer then edits a reporter’s story and helps edit videotape to suit the story. Most television news stories are produced into 90-second pieces.