In Memoriam:
Christine Kay, a New York Times editor who helped shape Pulitzer-winning articles and investigative projects and who helped conceive "Portraits of Grief," a series of remembrances about the victims of the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, has died of cancer at age 54.
"Thoughtful Leader":
Facebook Vice President of Communications Caryn Marooney is leaving the platform after eight years. Previously known as the co-founder of tech-oriented public relations firm Outcast Communications, Marooney cultivated a close relationship with founder/CEO Mark Zuckerberg. "And for our challenges — we have plans in place and the right people working on them," she said in her departure statement.
"Satisfying Paying Subscribers":
Spotify announced its intention to pivot to podcasting Wednesday, including the concurrent acquisition of Gimlet Media and production platform Anchor. The company intends to spend $400 to $500 million on the "emerging podcast marketplace" this year. "With the world focused on trying to reduce screen time, it opens up a massive audio opportunity," co-founder and CEO Daniel Ek said.
"Suspected Involvement":
The Committee to Protect Journalists "will host a press conference outside of the White House" "to demand justice in the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi." The Trump administration is scheduled to deliver a report to the Senate on Friday that may delineate potential sanctions of Saudi Arabia stemming from its alleged involvement in the assassination.
"Trustworthy Reporting":
Craig Newmark Philanthropies has endowed $15 million at Columbia Journalism School and the Poynter Institute. The gifts will enable the establishment of the Craig Newmark Center for Journalism Ethics and Security at Columbia and the Craig Newmark Center for Ethics and Leadership at Poynter. "Craig Newmark’s generosity will provide an enduring and deeply influential investment in journalism," said Steve Coll, dean of the Columbia Journalism School. According to Poynter Institute President and fellow Pulitzer Board member Neil Brown, "[T]he Center will yield and promote something precious: independent, credible information that will help citizens successfully participate in our democracy.”
"Comprehensive Coverage":
The Los Angeles Times announced Tuesday that "it would resume publishing a stand-alone print section dedicated to food" in April. The section will feature work by restaurant critics Bill Addison and Patricia Escárcega (who succeeded 2007 Criticism winner Jonathan Gold) and cooking columnist Ben Mims. "I want it to be as good and as weird and as interesting as I can," said Peter Meehan, who was recently hired as food editor.
"Both Sides Of The Coin":
Axios has named Jess Szmajda as its CTO, the company announced Tuesday. Szmajda "will be the first female transgender CTO of a notable media property." "If you look at boardrooms and executive ranks, and even tech in general," she said, "there just isn’t much diversity. It’s all white heterosexual men, basically."
"Fundamental Attack":
The Knight Commission on Trust, Media and Democracy released a report in conjunction with the Aspen Institute that "identifies what journalists can do; what the media distributors such as social media and other digital networks can do; what government and business leaders can do; and, perhaps most important, what each American can and should do to assume responsibility for democratic governance."
"Quagmire":
Miami Herald Guantanamo Bay reporter Carol Rosenberg has been offered a buyout package as part of McClatchy's downsizing program. Since 2002, Rosenberg has been the only full-time reporter at the naval base's detention camp. According to McClatchy spokesperson Jeanne Segal, full-time coverage will continue irrespective of Rosenberg's decision.
"Back and Forth":
Gannett has rejected a $12-per-share takeover offer from Digital First Media. "After careful review and consideration, conducted in consultation with its financial and legal advisers, the Gannett board concluded that MNG’s unsolicited proposal undervalues Gannett and is not in the best interests of Gannett and its shareholders," the company said in statement. "In addition, Gannett does not believe MNG’s proposal is credible."
