The New York Times gets rid of its public editor to focus on reader comments
The New York Times is terminating its public editor position, shifting its focus to reader comments and social media conversations. Publisher Arthur Sulzberger Jr. announced in a memo that the paper has outgrown the need for the role as more and more readers provide criticism online. The Times plans on expanding its commenting platform, and current public editor Liz Spayd will leave the paper on Friday.
“There is nothing more important to our mission, or our business, than strengthening our connection with our readers,” Sulzberger Jr. wrote. “A relationship that fundamental cannot be outsourced to a single intermediary.”
The decision, which mirrors similar ones made at The Washington…
