In general, a website editor is equivalent to the editor-in-chief or editor-in-chief of a publication.
A site editor selects and controls the content of a site to meet the needs of its owners and users. Magazines, newspapers, and other publications use website editors to maintain editorial standards and provide a constant stream of new content to users. This job typically requires experience in the publishing field, along with an understanding of how Internet media works and connections to industry experts. Some colleges and universities offer training in this area, and many website editors gain their experience on the job, rising through the ranks.
Website publishers can be sure that the online and print versions of a publication share a similar tone.
It is up to the site editor to uphold the publication’s editorial standards and select content that meets its mission and goals. An editor of an online veterinary journal, for example, is interested in content on topics in veterinary science, from medical ethics to discussions of the latest advances in treatment. The editor works closely with senior executives to determine the type of content the publication needs and the tone. He may hire sub-editors to manage different sections, each focusing on a specific area of interest.
Media site publishers need to be able to quickly update on the latest news.
Editors are responsible for finding and hiring new writers to generate content, whether they’re looking for regular columnists or journalists for timely coverage of a specific topic. They also need photographers, videographers and other content producers for a multimedia site. When the site is redesigned, the site editor often contributes to this process and may discuss topics such as design, features, and user requests.
Website editors often delegate tasks to others, instead of taking care of everything themselves. Sub-editors may be directly responsible for working with the editors and may receive training from the site editor. If the publication also has print representation, the site editor can work with the print editor to discuss coverage issues, special editions, and other matters that may affect both print and web. For example, a food magazine that publishes a dessert issue wants the website to also support dessert coverage, to present a harmonious appearance to readers of the magazine and the website.
This work can take many hours, as a site editor often works with writers in different time zones and may need to respond to breaking news. On news sites in particular, web publishers must move quickly to publish stories in response to news events around the world. This requires access to a large pool of writers who can generate stories quickly, as well as maintaining a team of fact-checkers, photographers, layout editors, and others who can get those stories ready to show as quickly as possible.