Ritstjórn

Ritstjórn is an Icelandic term referring to the editorial body or office of editors within a newspaper, magazine, or online publication. It can denote the group of editors as a collective or the leadership led by the editor-in-chief (ritstjóri). The ritstjórn is responsible for the publication's editorial direction and standards.

Core duties include setting editorial policy, deciding which stories to cover, assigning reporting tasks, editing submissions, and approving content for publication. The ritstjórn oversees accuracy, fairness, and compliance with legal and ethical guidelines, including corrections and retractions when needed. It may also define tone, style, and the publication's stance on issues through editorials or opinion pieces.

Organizationally, the ritstjórn typically consists of the editor-in-chief plus editors who supervise specific sections or functions. In larger outlets there may be managing editors, section editors, and commissioning editors within the ritstjórn; in smaller ones, a single editor may handle multiple roles. The body is often expected to maintain editorial independence from owners, advertisers, or outside interests while remaining accountable for the publication's content.

Historically linked to print media, the concept has carried into digital journalism where ritstjórn coordinates with the newsroom and content creators. The term emphasizes responsibility for the integrity and credibility of published material, balancing timely reporting with verification and accountability.