Chicago Tribune Memos and Other Bits

This is a collection of memos and reports that I wrote during my time at the Chicago Tribune. I first joined the Tribune in 1972. I left briefly for The New York Times in 1977-78 before returning in 1978. My jobs at the Tribune included copy editor, assistant picture editor, graphics coordinator, and picture and graphics editor. I left in 1985 to join the San Jose Mercury News. After a brief stay at the Mercury News I joined the San Francisco Chronicle. Some of these memos are also reflected in the “Analog to Digital” timeline, which is the heart of this project.

In addition, there are bits of history from the Chicago Tribune, including forms and examples of workflow.

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Chicago Tribune Graphics Request Form in 1980s

This is an example of the Chicago Tribune's graphics request form. According to a note attached to this document, "graphics are handled through a full-time graphics editor who works with source editors. The graphics editor works with source editors and reporters in compiling the necessary materials: locator maps, tables, graphics, etc.

Chicago Tribune Publishes the Watergate Tapes in 1 Day, 1974

One of the moments of journalism history that I had a chance to live was the Chicago Tribune’s publishing of some of the Nixon White House tapes – the Watergate tapes – in 1974. It was also a moment where I was so very proud of the Tribune and its management and staffers.

November 26, 1975

Notes on Tribune Future, 1975

I wrote a memo about the future of the Chicago Tribune. It was part of a task force looking to redo the paper.

April 1, 1980

Chicago Tribune Newsroom Directory

Here's the Editorial Department phone directory for the Chicago Tribune Staff in April 1980. The paper had an easy to remember phone number: 222-3232. And for Classified Ads: 222-2222.

January 4, 1982

Chicago Tribune Editorial Deadlines

The Chicago Tribune production deadlines for its 24-hour publishing/printing cycle. Some of the stories were on paper and some via an early computer [PPS] system.

January 1, 1985

Chicago Tribune Photo Request Form, 1985

An example of the Chicago Tribune's photo request form used in 1985. Picture assignments were made through the picture assignment desk, either in the main city room or in the suburban Hinsdale, IL, bureau. Assignments were requested by either the reporter working on a story or by the source editor who is handling the story. However, according to note Howard Finberg wrote in 1985, "the picture assignment editor of the picture editor controls photo assignment traffic and determines which story takes precedent when time and manpower are short."

Chicago Tribune Photo Assignment Sheet 1985

This is an example of the workload of Chicago Tribune photographers in December, 1985. The Day Picture assignments on December 26, 1985 run from 7:00 am until 3:30. The notes on the disposition column show the photographer and whether the assignment was completed [OK] or didn't work [NG].