On Nov. 6, I reported that the NY Times White House team would include reporters Jeff Zeleny, Peter Baker, Helene Cooper, and Sheryl Gay Stolberg. That was according to my sources since bureau chief Dean Baquet hadn’t made a formal announcement.
Well this afternoon he has.
"It is obvious but worth repeating: Washington has never been under a lens like this before," Baquet wrote in a staff memo obtained by Politico. "We’re in the midst of an unprecedented shift in power that the world is closely watching, and economic chaos that has Washington at its epicenter. And boy are we ready."
In addition to the staffers previously reported, Ben Werschkul will also be on the beat full-time. Baquet described the appointment of Werschkul, who did Internet video work during the campaign, as "testament to the importance we place on covering Washington across all platforms."
Political editor Dick Stevenson will lead the White House team. Also, Rachel Swarns will cover some aspects of culture and race, as well as, the First Family. Jodi Kantor, who wrote several "Long Run" features, will profile Washington figures.
"It will be fun to sit down in the coming weeks and brainstorm about coverage of the new Washington," wrote Baquet. "None of these assignments forecloses others from jumping into the game. In fact, I want everyone to get a chance to carry the ball. We should think creatively, break conventions, and take risks in coverage and storytelling. The coming years will be hugely competitive, but they will also be a blast."
Full memo after the jump.
Copyright © 2008 Capitol News Company, LLC | Distributed by Noofangle Media
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