Amrita Prasad - There Is a Long Way to Go before We Can Claim That It’s an Equal World for Female Journalists (Journalist - The Indian Express)

 

"Journalism is my compass, guiding me through the currents of truth, empathy, and the transformative power of storytelling"

1. Tell us about your background and journey.

A writer, reader, poet, Potterhead, dreamer, OTT fanatic, and music buff – I encompass all these facets and more (in no particular order)! As a passionate writer and journalist, I believe in weaving magic with words and narrating stories that need to be told with utmost honesty. Journalism is my lifeblood.

Coming from a small city in West Bengal, having lived in Pune and now residing in Noida, I view the world through rose-tinted glasses (not sure if that’s a good thing in the corporate world), until reality strikes pushing me to see things as they truly are. Writing has been my solace and escape for over two decades, serving as my purest and strongest form of expression, even when I was a little girl. I would write letters to my parents who lived in another state. When hurt, I would pen my thoughts without the fear of anyone hearing them or judging me. 

Speaking professionally, when I write, every word flows directly from my heart, aiming to strike a chord with readers. In my journey as a journalist, I have explored various topics and issues, transcending platforms and mediums. My goal is to tell stories that matter and reach a diverse audience. Entertainment stories, in my perspective, shouldn't be ordinary and beyond just airport looks and who is dating whom; they can be elaborate, in-depth, meaningful, and leave a lasting impact on readers. Drawing inspiration from filmmakers like Satyajit Ray, Zoya Akhtar, and Nandita Das, I seek meaning in cinema. Through my writing, I aim to pose relevant questions and discuss the evolution of cinema, OTT, pop culture, and television.

A post-graduate in Journalism and Mass Communication (from Calcutta University), I have worked with organizations like Life 365, Sakal Times, The Times of India, and Pune Mirror and currently working as a senior copy editor at The Indian Express. Having started my career at the young age of 21 (full-time), I have delved into various topics such as gender, climate, lifestyle, pop culture, entertainment, and civic, among other topics across mediums like print and online, and spearheaded social media for various news portals.

2. What are the key challenges you face as a senior copy editor, and how do you overcome them? 

No two days are the same. As a senior copy editor, I encounter various challenges that need to be addressed to ensure a high standard of work. For starters, tight deadlines are crucial To overcome this challenge, I have learned to manage my time efficiently, prioritize tasks, and work well under pressure. Meeting deadlines is crucial, but it shouldn't compromise quality. Senior editors have to be efficient at spotting errors and suggesting improvements while working within tight timeframes. A senior editor needs to make suggestions that enhance the writing without seeming overly critical or diminishing the author's voice. This requires diplomacy and a clear understanding of the author's intent. To bring variety to the article and deal with a diversity of writing styles, I have developed a keen eye for detail and a good understanding of different writing styles. 

Maintaining consistency, especially with large projects or teams of writers, ensuring consistency in style, tone, and terminology across the piece can be a hurdle. As senior editors, we need strong organizational skills and a keen eye for detail. Accuracy and fact-checking are paramount, therefore, I conduct thorough research to verify the accuracy of information and ensure that all sources are credible. Language and writing styles are constantly evolving. As a senior editor, I need to be abreast with current trends and best practices while maintaining a strong foundation in grammar and mechanics.

3. How has the role of copy editing evolved with the rise of digital publishing and online media? 

Gone are the days of red pen on paper. As a senior copy editor, I now work with digital documents, using track changes and online editing tools to collaborate with writers. Thankfully, being born in the age of the internet, familiarity with technology makes the job a bit easier. Understanding SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) and working with HTML tags for online content is often part of a copy editor's skillset which ensures content is discoverable in search engines. Working in the digital space equates to having a deeper understanding of multimedia elements like images and videos. I also have to extend my expertise to ensure these elements are properly formatted and integrated. 

The fast-paced nature of online publishing can create pressure to prioritize speed over thorough editing. I often have to manage this tension, ensuring quality without compromising deadlines. Editing for online content requires an awareness of how readers consume information online. Headlines, subheadings, and bullet points become even more crucial for readability. The sheer volume and variety of online content means I may have to work on a wider range of material, from blog posts to social media content, requiring them to be adaptable. 

Oftentimes, the lines between editor and content creator can blur, hence, on many occasions, I find myself writing headlines, captions, or even short pieces. My core mission as a copy editor is to ensure clear, concise, and accurate communication reaches the audience in real time, a prerequisite in this digital age.

4. In your opinion, what sets apart exceptional copy editing from mediocre editing? 

Exceptional copy editing goes beyond fixing typos and grammar mistakes. To begin with, a good copy editor will never suppress the voice of the writer. They identify and enhance the author's unique voice while ensuring clarity and conciseness. They can suggest stronger word choices, refine sentence structure, and eliminate redundancies without compromising the essence of the writing. We don’t just fix errors; we work collaboratively with the author. My job also entails explaining my edits, offering alternative suggestions, and involving the author in the decision-making process. Sometimes, I have to navigate situations where the author resists changes.

Exceptional editors have a hawk's eye for grammatical errors, inconsistencies, and awkward phrasing. At the same time, they see the bigger picture, ensuring the writing flows smoothly, the tone is consistent, and the message is delivered effectively. We tailor our edits to the target audience. Is it a casual blog post or a formal academic paper? We have to adapt our suggestions to fit the specific context and reader expectations. In the digital age, we consider factors like SEO optimization and how the content will be consumed online. 

5. What are the challenges you face as a woman journalist in India?

I would love to address the elephant in the room here. Even though as women, we have made significant strides in journalism, there is a long way to go before we can claim that it’s an equal world for female journalists, especially in India. Here are a few areas that I particularly find problematic:

Gender bias: Pay inequality and underrepresentation in leadership positions are ongoing issues. We may be passed over for promotions, assigned less prestigious stories, or be expected to handle "soft" topics compared to male colleagues. 

Harassment: Harassment, both online and offline, is a persistent problem for women journalists. This can range from inappropriate comments to threats of violence, creating a hostile work environment and discouraging women from pursuing certain stories. 

Stereotyping: Women journalists may be stereotyped based on their gender or appearance, and their expertise might be questioned. They may be expected to focus on stories related to gender or social issues, even if their interests lie elsewhere. 

Trolling: Social media has amplified the issue of harassment for journalists, and women are disproportionately targeted. This can take the form of abusive comments, and threats. 

6. Which are your favorite books and why?

I have two favorite books. The Harry Potter series by JK Rowling and The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni. Harry Potter isn't necessarily everyone's favorite book series, but it does hold a special place in my heart. Rowling crafted a detailed and magical world brimming with wonder. From Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to the hidden shops of Diagon Alley, I get to escape into a world entirely different from my own. I met Harry as an overlooked orphan and followed him through his triumphs and struggles as he faced challenges, made mistakes, and learned valuable life lessons. I connect with Ron, the loyal best friend, or Hermione, the brilliant but kind witch. Friendship, courage, prejudice, loss, and the fight between good and evil particularly strike a chord with me. I love the The Palace of Illusions for several reasons. The story of the Mahabharata is retold from the viewpoint of Draupadi, a character who is often relegated to the sidelines in traditional narratives. This fresh perspective allows readers to see the epic events through new eyes and understand Draupadi's thoughts, feelings, and motivations. The novel delves into the societal constraints placed on women during that period. Readers can see how Draupadi challenges these limitations and fights for agency. The Mahabharata is a grand epic, but The Palace of Illusions brings the characters and events down to a human level. I connect with the characters' emotions and struggles. 

Bio:

In the Indian Express, my dedication to media excellence shines through meticulous content curation and engaging online content creation, ensuring every story resonates with diverse audiences. With a rich journalism background, I have held dynamic roles, including Editor-in-Chief at Culture CrossRoad, where I led efforts to bridge cultural narratives through powerful storytelling.

My editing and feature article development expertise is complemented by my ability to thrive under tight deadlines. The Indian Express benefits from my fluency in Hindi, Bengali, and English, enabling us to craft stories that appeal to a wide reader base. I aim to continue elevating the standards of news reporting and feature writing, leveraging the power of digital journalism.

Interviewed by: Manya 

Edited by: Mishika Goel