By I. Hansana, Jadetimes News
British Editors Lead Major American Newsrooms Amid Industry Turmoil
Amidst financial difficulties and political polarization, major American news organizations are now being led by British editors known for their relentless and budget conscious reporting styles. This trend is epitomized by figures such as Will Lewis, Emma Tucker, and Mark Thompson, who have recently taken on leadership roles at The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and CNN respectively.
Appointments
Will Lewis
Formerly of London's Daily Telegraph and News UK.
Now CEO of The Washington Post.
Controversially replaced the American editor with a former colleague from The Telegraph.
Emma Tucker
Took over The Wall Street Journal.
Previously with The Sunday Times.
Mark Thompson
Former BBC chairman.
Now chairman of CNN, where he is overseeing an American adaptation of the BBC comedy quiz show “Have I Got News for You.”
These editors join other British figures like John Micklethwait at Bloomberg News and Keith Poole at The New York Post.
The Appeal of British Editors
Theories about the appeal of British editors to American news proprietors include:
Their worldly allure and distinctive accents.
A tradition of hard nosed, budget conscious journalism in the UK.
Lower salaries compared to American counterparts.
Willingness to challenge conventions and tackle controversial topics, despite Fleet Street's reputation for ethical lapses.
Tina Brown, former editor of Vanity Fair and The New Yorker, noted that the British press is less self important and more pragmatic, which resonates with American media owners seeking resilience in a struggling industry.
British editors have a track record of success in the U.S.:
Tina Brown revitalized Vanity Fair in 1984 with her English wit and sharp editorial style.
Anna Wintour has led Vogue since 1988 with notable success.
This legacy includes British leadership at various prominent American publications over the years.
Recent Controversies
Will Lewis faced criticism at The Washington Post for allegedly trying to influence coverage related to Rupert Murdoch’s phone hacking scandal.
British journalistic practices, such as paying for information, clash with American standards of journalistic ethics.
The Industry's Future
The current trend of appointing British editors may be partly due to a lack of suitable American candidates, exacerbated by the decline of the American news industry. As American media organizations strive to adapt to financial and political pressures, the competitive and no nonsense approach of British editors may provide a much needed edge.
Ultimately, while there is some amusement and indignation within British media circles regarding this trend, the effectiveness of British editors in leading major American newsrooms during turbulent times remains to be seen.