Nerves of steel, accuracy under
fire, good common sense: these are the skills of a fighter pilot... or the Tokyo Copy
Chief for BridgeNews, one of the leading financial information services. Michelle Hesse
talks with Daneeta Loretta Saft about flying the financial news desk.
BridgeNews Copy
Chief Michelle Hesse
Photo by Mitchell Coster
What does a copy
chief do?
I edit copy from various sources, our own and others, that will be sent to people working
in the financial markets - traders and the like. News stories have to be checked for
accuracy and we have to make sure that stories make sense based on our own knowledge of
the financial markets.
Is it only financial news that you edit and send out?
No. We also edit general news stories that may affect the financial markets. This is where
our knowledge of how certain events relate to the markets comes into play. We' acting as
filters for our clients. They want information that relates to the financial markets
quickly, and we have to know what's important that will help them stay informed and able
to make decisions.
What skills do you need to be a copy chief?
You have to be well read and abreast of not only the financial markets but also of current
events. You have to accurately filter the news and be able to look at the big picture -
how will a story affect the markets? You have to be fast and accurate. A financial
background and writing skills are also important, but speed and accuracy are the most
critical skills.
How did you get your job?
Networking. I think networking is more important in this city than any other. If you talk
to people in the industry, and you have the right skills, you can get a job. What I found
out is that you may not think you have the right skills until you talk to people in the
market. So ask a lot of questions and think about how your skills can be honed to fit the
job.
Is there a lot of opportunity in your field?
Wire services are definitely looking for people. There is a bit of a dearth in the
industry right now due to the exodus of foreigners during the economic downturn. Not many
people came into Japan to replace the talent that was leaving to take advantage of the
blossoming American economy.
Do you have to speak Japanese?
It's not necessary in an editor's position because we are consolidating and editing news
written in English for an English-speaking market. Reporters, however, definitely have to
speak Japanese.
