Who wears the black armband in a newspaper office?

Question

I have seen old photographs of a newspaper office where a member of the staff wears a black armband. I don't think this is a sign of mourning as I remember seeing this in episodes of 'Lou Grant' that old TV series about a newspaper editor. The black armband therefore is a clue to identifying the member of the newspaper staff.

Answer 1

Aren't those sleeve garters? instead of rolling up the sleeves to keep them clean...

Answer 2

Who writes the 'Obituary Column'? The arm / sleave bands You are talking about are an old way of keeping news print of the sleaves of white shirts.