Key Definitions of Good Publication House

What is the working protocol of journalism especially for magazines? Also what is the role of editor-in-chief in a magazine and the working hierarchy in a magazine... who reports to whom? Also how much should the editor-in-chief allow the owners/publishers/directors of the media company to interfere in the editorial content? These are just some of the questions that is normally asked about the inner workings of a magazine.

First, I'm not sure what you mean by "working protocol of journalism." Are you talking about relationships with sources, between editors and reporters, or something else? In the context of your other questions, I wonder if you mean something to do with editorial authority, too.

Second, Various journalism roles can vary quite a bit, actually, from publication to publication. Some companies have more "hands-on" management styles, while others give their executives more autonomy. But, in general, the editor-in-chief has control over the publication's editorial contents and direction, just as the advertising director has control over the ad contents, placement, and policies.

That doesn't mean the editor is God, because he/she shares power with other high-ranking executives. The editor's greatest management skill is in working effectively with people -- knowing how to negotiate with other power brokers who have a say in how the magazine is put together, distributed, etc.

I'll give you an example of hierarchy: In the trade magazine publishing company where I worked, there was an individual editor over each magazine. We shared a pool of in-house writers, and we each contracted separately with freelancers as needed. There also was an advertising director who managed the ad sales and placement for each of the three magazines. If I didn't like the ad placement in my magazine, I could go to her and negotiate; she was usually agreeable within reason.

we usually prevented negotiations by talking in advance about special features that would need special space, and she was conversant with our standard placement of recurring features, etc.) We also worked with execs at various support companies

Last, The editor-in-chief has limited options in how much he lets the magazine's owners, publishers, and other higher-ups interfere with the editorial content. He should establish the extent of his authority when he is hired and, if possible, have it spelled out in writing. Clear upfront communications are the best preventative step. He can help prevent problems by communicating clearly with his bosses about editorial directions and getting buy-in as he goes along rather than waiting for issues to arise.