USA Today just announced that one of its columnists, Rem Rieder, has been made media editor. Rieder, formerly editor and senior vice president of American Journalism Review, has been writing a weekly media column for USAT since December.
In a statement, Editor in Chief David Callaway said: "The increasing role of media in all our lives means that every company is now a media company, and everyone a media personality. Rem's role will include working with media columnists such as Michael Wolff, and USA TODAY reporters across the country as they cover the empires and innovators behind this evolution. He will continue writing his column as well."
Prior to today's announcement, I didn't know Rieder was writing for the paper. (And why does the paper need two media columnists?)
Finally, I assume this assertion by Callaway is simply hyperbole: "Every company is now a media company, and everyone a media personality." Certainly, virtually every company uses media as part of its marketing. But that doesn't make, say, Exxon Mobil a media company.
Related: the Fortune 500 list of biggest companies.
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| Rieder |
Prior to today's announcement, I didn't know Rieder was writing for the paper. (And why does the paper need two media columnists?)
Finally, I assume this assertion by Callaway is simply hyperbole: "Every company is now a media company, and everyone a media personality." Certainly, virtually every company uses media as part of its marketing. But that doesn't make, say, Exxon Mobil a media company.
Related: the Fortune 500 list of biggest companies.
Media editor? How about staffing more reporters to cover the actual news rather than writing about the editor's pals in the media? How about not covering the Tonys like it is a presidential election and sending people out to cover weather disasters?
ReplyDeleteWhy bother addressing real needs? Then again, if someone had the fortitude to exile the dead weight still on the staff, silly hires of Kramer pals wouldnt matter.
DeleteFinancially, American Journalism Review and Columbia Journalism review are on their last legs. Looks like Rem got on a life raft. By the time USAT goes down, he'll be retired.
ReplyDeleteI had hoped that instead of "working with" Michael Wolfe he would be "getting rid of" Michael Wolfe.
ReplyDeleteCallaway loves him some superlatives and hyperbole:
ReplyDeleteIn November, he referred to USAT as "a national treasure."
In March, a new national news desk would be staffed with "the best and brightest in the industry."
And in June, he spoke of creating a Gannett-wide news feed of "the most creative, fresh, and cutting-edge journalism in the world."
"Cutting-edge . . . "
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised he didn't say "We'll be using Space-Age technology."
Next: "By satellite.''
ReplyDeleteWe're so far in front you can see us coming-up from behind.
ReplyDeleteWait a minute ... USAT is actually creating a new role for someone who appears to be over 50 instead of blindfolding them and shoving them off the flagship?
ReplyDeleteAnd yet today the USAT newsroom wins another honor. Between that, Belo and the stock price some of you must be besides yourselves. The last five years have been tough. Sometimes horrible, but it's nice to enjoy this. HAPPY!!!!!
ReplyDeleteCall me when the stock gets back to 80
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
DeleteHappens every day, 1:52. Happens every day.
DeleteNo one will call you, 11:07. They're glad you're gone. All that remains is for the CO to fill your garage.
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