US: Baltimore Sun has no public editor, but a Q&A blog

Posted by Jean Yves Chainon on January 9, 2008 at 10:59 AM

The Baltimore Sun is introducing a new Q&A Blog but has ridded itself of its public editor position – former public editor Paul Moore has been appointed as the newsroom’s deputy managing editor for operations, but his previous position won’t be filled.

“As you know, communication with our readers is very important to us. Although we will not fill the public editor position, we will continue to take steps to ensure interaction with our readers,” said publisher Tim Ryan in a memo to staff.

This interaction will now be ensured by a new Q&A blog, which will give readers the opportunity to react and comment on news coverage.

Moore will moderate the blog and coordinate responses from sernior editors. He will also continue to publish corrections on Page 2A.

To an extent, it seems like Moore has simply extended his responsibilities while still carrying out many of his previous duties as public editor. The use of a blog for reader interaction could prove to be an efficient liaison tool though.

Letters to the Editor will still be published, and reporters’ emails will still be printed at the end of stories to enable direct communication with them.

Source: Poynter Romenesko