The Typing Skills of New York Times Journalists: A Behind-the-Scenes Look

In an effort to explore the typing proficiency of its journalists, The New York Times recently conducted a typing trial involving approximately 80 reporters and editors. This initiative aimed to assess how quickly journalists can translate their notes and recordings into coherent articles under tight deadlines, a critical aspect of news reporting.

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The results of the typing challenge revealed a wide range of typing speeds among participants. The fastest typist was a data reporter who achieved an impressive speed of 134 words per minute, while the slowest, a veteran legal reporter, typed at 35 words per minute. On average, the journalists who participated typed at about 80 words per minute, which is notably higher than the national average typing speed in the United States, reported by the American Society of Administrative Professionals.

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The data journalism desk, known as The Upshot, showcased exceptional performance, with its journalists averaging 99 words per minute. Additionally, the Express desk, which focuses on breaking news, featured the second-fastest typist, an editor who reached 124 words per minute. Madison Dong, a graphics and multimedia editor on The Times's weather team, expressed her experience, stating, “Writing on my laptop always feels as close to stream-of-consciousness as I can get,” while achieving a speed of 111 words per minute.

New York Times

Despite the strong showing from The New York Times journalists, they still have room for improvement when compared to professional transcriptionists and stenographers, who can reach speeds of up to 300 words per minute using specialized keyboards. This highlights the ongoing need for journalists to refine their typing skills to enhance their efficiency in fast-paced news environments.

New York Times

The ability to type quickly and accurately is crucial for journalists, especially when breaking news occurs. The typing challenge not only provided insights into the skills of The New York Times staff but also underscored the importance of effective communication in journalism. As news cycles continue to accelerate, the capacity to produce timely and well-structured articles becomes increasingly vital.

New York Times

The New York Times has emphasized the importance of typing proficiency in its newsroom, recognizing that speed and accuracy can significantly impact the quality of reporting. The initiative reflects a commitment to maintaining high standards in journalism, particularly in the context of rapidly evolving news events.

New York Times

• “Writing on my laptop always feels as close to stream-of-consciousness as I can get,” — Madison Dong, Graphics and Multimedia Editor, The New York Times

New York Times

This typing trial serves as a reminder of the skills necessary for effective journalism and the continuous pursuit of excellence within the field.

New York Times