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Jan 21, 2023Liked by Richard J. Tofel

As a young person working in local news, this was spot-on. The X’s and O’s of reporting are still crucial, but reaching across difference and inspiring staff to follow through on a clear-cut mission ... oof. It’s a tall order! I hope more of us think in the terms you laid out as we grow in the industry.

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Jan 19, 2023Liked by Richard J. Tofel

Regarding which, this might be of (potentially troubling, disconcerting?) interest:

https://thesouthern.com/news/local/brandhorst-assumes-role-as-editor-in-chief/article_ed1c6259-d304-5520-bf42-93dac8d52110.html

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Jan 19, 2023Liked by Richard J. Tofel

Great column Dick. One question: which professions do you see these new newsroom leaders coming from?

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Well said, thank you.

To me, the key is whether a new leader from outside the traditional ladder can recognize excellent journalism and the painstaking work required to achieve it. Strong journalism often isn’t efficient nor easy. Readers are discerning. They see the difference between first-rate work and passable work. A newsroom leader has to see the difference before readers are forced to vote with their eyeballs. It’s hard to recover respectability after the market has found your newsroom inadequate.

Maybe smart people coming from tech or elsewhere can bring with them sophisticated or nuanced news judgment. Anything is possible. So far, however, many successful start-ups have done the reverse. They are headed by and staffed by newsroom veterans.

Your thoughtful piece provides much to consider--and does a service to the profession as it chews forward looking for answers.

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