The Washington Post National Editor Kevin Merida is ascending to the managing editor spot vacated last month by Liz Spayd, according to an announcement by the paper. With Merida’s promotion, the Post is getting its first African-American managing editor — and a reshuffle of portfolios for Merida and the paper’s other managing editor, John Temple.
“[Merida] is a journalist of remarkable accomplishment, but also a warm and caring colleague. And he has a record of proven leadership,” Executive Editor Martin Baron wrote in a morning memo to staff.
Merida, who joined the paper in 1993, grew up in Southeast Washington and Prince George’s County. He’s taking over many of the editorial departments originally assigned to Temple when he joined the paper last year.
“In his new position, Kevin will be able to easily and quickly deploy reporters and editors across all departments that report to him, including National, Foreign, Metro, Business, Sports, Investigations, Outlook, Style, Arts, Travel, Food, Local Living, Weekend/Going Out Guide, and the magazine,” Baron wrote.
Meanwhile, Temple’s now in charge of digital operations, in an arrangement that appears to be similar to what tech-focused Managing Editor Raju Narisetti handled before he left the paper in 2012.
Baron’s full newsroom memo:
To all:
I am pleased to announce that Kevin Merida will become The Washington Post’s managing editor responsible for news and features coverage as well as the Universal News Desk.
Managing Editor John Temple will oversee our rapidly expanding digital operations and initiatives, all presentation units (including design, photo, and graphics), the multiplatform desk, budgeting, and newsroom operations.
In his new position, Kevin will be able to easily and quickly deploy reporters and editors across all departments that report to him, including National, Foreign, Metro, Business, Sports, Investigations, Outlook, Style, Arts, Travel, Food, Local Living, Weekend/Going Out Guide, and the magazine…
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