Bylines are used if a journalist was in the datelined location to gather the information reported. If a reporter in the field provides information to a staffer who then writes the story, the reporter will be identified in the byline unless the editor determines the byline should more properly go to the staff writer.
If multiple staffers report the story, the byline will belong to the Staff Writing Group such as PPD Staff, PPD Elections Staff or PPD Business Staff, unless the editor makes a different call. In most instances, the byline will go to the staffer who reported the key facts. Or, one staffer can take the byline for one cycle, and another for the following cycle.
A double byline or an editor’s note also may be used when more than one staffer makes a significant contribution to the facts reported or the writing of a story. Credit lines will be used to recognize contributions that are notable but don’t call for a double byline.
