Tim Nickens grew up in Jeffersonville, Ind., and received a bachelor of arts degree from Indiana University. After a year at the Journal-Gazette in Fort Wayne, Ind., he joined the St. Petersburg Times as a reporter in 1983. He worked for the Miami Herald from 1990-1995 before returning to the St. Petersburg Times. He was an editorial writer, political editor and assistant managing editor/metro before rejoining the editorial board in December 2004. He became editor of editorials in September 2008. He and his wife, Bridget, live in St. Petersburg with their two daughters.

Daniel Ruth, 59, has been scribbling away for 36 years as a reporter, film critic, television critic and columnist for the Tampa Tribune, the Chicago Sun-Times and the St. Petersburg Times. He also has worked as a radio talk show host as well as an adjunct professor for the University of South Florida, the University of Tampa and Columbia College in Chicago. Daniel is a Peter Lisagor Award recipient for his columns in Chicago and has been honored by the Pinellas County Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union with the Irene Miller Vigilance In Journalism Award.