{"value"=>"<p>This series is made up of alphabetical subject files that are organized (and titled) by topical keywords, types of news assignments, specific news stories, or organizations. Internal correspondence and memoranda make up the bulk of these files and consist of communications between Metropolitan Desk editors and reporters. These items reveal the news gathering and editing process of the Metropolitan Desk and document daily interactions between the metropolitan editors and the rest of their staff. Topics discussed include reporter assignments and criticisms and notes on specific news stories. Of note are the Editorial Policy files that include memoranda from Assistant Managing Editor Allan M. Siegal, who was closely involved with copyediting and enforcing style standards. These memoranda explain a wide range of editorial decisions, from usage of specific terms for sensitive topics (abortion, civil rights, religious news, criminal news, and others) to headline writing and stopping the use of specific archaic terms and phrases.</p> <p>Of special interest are the files concerning the \"Dr. X Killings\" that relate to a series of murders at a hospital in Bergen County, New Jersey, in 1966. Reporter Myron Farber, who investigated the case for <span class=\"title\">The Times</span>, was jailed in 1978 for refusing to disclose confidential sources and documents to the court. The file contains correspondence regarding the development of Farber's initial investigation, records concerning his and <span class=\"title\">The Times'</span> legal fight, and letters and clippings on the public response to Faber serving jail time. The News Sources files contain additional Metropolitan Desk records regarding subpoenaed reporters.</p> <p>Files are arranged alphabetically by file title. Entries without box and folder numbers cross-reference related material in other files.</p>"}