Assistant Chief Sub-Editor

The assistant chief sub-editor's job is to assist the chief sub-editor in running the sub-editing team and in sub-editing content after team meetings and on paste-up weekends. The duties of chief and assistant chief sub-editor are otherwise nearly identical, so see the chief sub-editor's job description for more detailed information on these.

The only differences between the chief sub-editor's duties and those of the assistant chief sub-editor are the following:

The chief sub-editor has the final say when the chief and assistant chief sub-editor disagree on an editing decision.

The assistant chief sub-editor may be asked to fulfil more basic service tasks for the chief sub-editor or the sub-editing team, such as making sure that hot water is available during meetings for tea and coffee or taking register at sub-editing meetings, but it is up to the chief sub-editor to decide on these tasks.

The assistant chief sub-editor is also required to deputise for the chief sub-editor when he/she is not available.

Hint: The assistant chief sub-editor should work out some form of replacement system with the chief sub-editor to ensure that when he/she needs to leave paste-up sessions to have a meal or for some other engagement, the assistant is at paste-up to deal with sub-editing decisions in his/her absence. There should always be at least one sub-editor present at paste-up when draft pages need to be checked.