I love copy editing, but the environment in my newsroom has become bitter and hostile. This is my third newsroom, and the others were not like this.

We are in a time of transition with a new editor and other staff changes. People are constantly in shouting matches over the silliest things. For example, several were upset when they couldn't find staples for their staplers, and you would have thought we were on the Titanic. In the evenings, the night crew will sit around and dissect the day, compiling a list of negatives without solutions to fix the so-called problems. I've realized these people aren't interested in answers.

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One person constantly hits her computer or throws things. Despite complaints, management has not disciplined these people and gives me the line, "Things will get better." I've heard this for about four months, and I haven't seen any changes. Management seems to think this behavior is OK, and former professors have told me that newsrooms are full of "characters." Does this sound like normal newsroom behavior?

If so, please tell me what other job I can do with a degree in journalism and a love of copy editing. I'd like to apply for jobs at larger newspapers, but part of me is worried that I'll just be in the same situation.

Thanks for your help.

Fed Up

This is not OK. It is neither normal nor professional nor healthy.

Someone needs to tell you that you are not the crazy one.

People who act this way do not get a pass as "characters," and I wouldn't take this lightly.

Joe Grimm

This kind of toxic newsroom will drive out the good people. The complainers and tantrum throwers will stay, committing career suicide.

You have tried to improve things. You know from experience that newsrooms aren't all this way. Find one more newsroom to work in before you give up on journalism. As a copy editor, you can do that. And, as you look, you'll be investigating the newsroom culture.

In the meantime, try to form alliances with like-minded journalists, not to wage office war, but for mutual support.

 

The recruiter asks back: What about you? Have you had to deal with this? How did you? Join the discussion here.

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Coming Thursday: After almost four years at a Catholic weekly, she wants to move to a mainstream daily. She worries that her experience will not be seen as relevant.

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