A study was conducted at two major midwestern newspapers to ascertain the effects of video display terminal (VDT) use on the work and perceptions of copy editors. The methodology consisted of observation of one full day of copy desk work at a VDT by a single local news desk copy editor and one full day of work at VDTs by a regular weekday shift of…

Shows that newspapers moving to new reporting and editing systems, such as the video display terminal, must develop the new electronic system to meet copy-flow needs. Notes that new systems must conform to a newspaper's gatekeeping needs, not vice versa. (RL)

An investigation was made of the impact of the visual display terminal (VDT) on the "gatekeeping" function of the newspaper editorial staff, in which editors selectively evaluate stories for publication. The VDT is a computerized device that displays copy on a screen and provides for highly flexible alteration of copy. Six hours of field…