Robservations on the media beat:
Glenn Reedus, a longtime Chicago journalist and former editor at the Chicago Defender and Chicago Crusader, has been named interim editor and publisher of the Chicago Reporter. The future of the 48-year-old investigative news organization has been in doubt since September when Fernando Diaz was ousted as editor-in-chief and publisher, and the Reporter suspended publication. "The interim role gives me the opportunity to bring Chicago Reporter readers true in-depth journalism that digs deep for the facts, present them with balance and avoid conjecture and speculation as too often is the case today,” Reedus said in a statement. News of his hiring was hailed by alumni of the Reporter, who pressed for its continued editorial independence. “Reedus faces many challenges,” said Laura Washington, a former editor and publisher. “He must hire a staff of reporters and other personnel; fulfill The Chicago Reporter’s commitment to collaborations with other news organizations; and initiate new investigations and data projects.” Continue reading