How Fast Do New York Times Journalists Type?
The speed at which journalists can type is often taken for granted, yet it’s a critical skill in modern newsgathering. A recent test conducted by The New York Times, detailed on , revealed a wide range of typing speeds among its staff, from 35 words per minute to a remarkable 134 words per minute.
The Race Against the Clock
The impetus for the test, as reported by both The New York Times and Editor and Publisher, wasn’t simply curiosity. It stemmed from the recognition that the moment a reporter confirms a story, a second race begins: the race to translate notes and recordings into a coherent, publishable article, often under intense deadline pressure. This process involves more than just transcribing; it requires structuring information, verifying facts, and crafting a narrative – all while typing.
The study highlights a shift in the demands placed on journalists. While investigative reporting and in-depth features allow for more deliberate composition, breaking news demands immediate output. The ability to quickly convert raw information into a readable format is paramount. This isn’t a new challenge, but the speed of the modern news cycle, fueled by social media and 24-hour news networks, has amplified its importance.
Beyond Words Per Minute
While the 134 words-per-minute speed achieved by a data reporter at The New York Times is impressive, the study reveals that typing speed isn’t the sole determinant of efficiency. A veteran reporter covering the legal system clocked in at 35 words per minute, demonstrating that experience and subject matter expertise can compensate for slower typing speeds. This suggests that accuracy and clarity are just as vital as sheer velocity.
The focus on typing speed also reflects a broader trend within newsrooms: the increasing emphasis on multimedia skills. Journalists are now expected to not only write but also gather video, audio, and data, and often manage social media updates simultaneously. Efficient typing allows reporters to dedicate more time to these other crucial aspects of storytelling. The ability to quickly produce a written transcript of an interview, for example, frees up time for editing video or analyzing data.
What to Watch For
The New York Times’s exploration of typing speeds isn’t just an internal exercise. It points to a potential future where news organizations may prioritize keyboarding skills during the hiring process, or even offer training programs to improve typing proficiency among existing staff. It also raises questions about the role of technology in streamlining the writing process. Voice-to-text software is becoming increasingly accurate, and could potentially alleviate the pressure on typing speed, though concerns about accuracy and security remain.
As news continues to break faster and the demand for immediate coverage intensifies, the ability to efficiently translate information into words will remain a critical skill for journalists. The New York Times’s experiment serves as a reminder that even in the age of digital tools and automation, the fundamental skill of typing remains a cornerstone of effective journalism.