Things the public doesn't understand about newspapering

There are a couple of things about newspapering I don't think the public understands.

First off, reporters don't write the headlines. Never have and never will. Reporters write the stories, and copy editors create headlines and page design. Occasionally, a headline doesn't reflect what went on in the story or gets something wrong. It's almost a case of the right hand not knowing what the left hand is doing.

Reporters also don't dictate where a story will be placed in the paper. It depends upon the event or the magnitude of the story. A reporter can tell his editor he thinks the story is pretty good, maybe worthy of the front page, but the ultimate decision is made by copy editors and newsroom management.