It's a historic day for The Washington Post.
The paper named Kevin Merida its new managing editor, making the 20-year Washington Post veteran the highest ranking African American journalist in the title's history. Merida was previously the national editor and oversaw the coverage of major news events like the BP oil spill, 2012 presidential election, and the devastating mass shootings in Ft. Hood, Aurora and Newtown.
Merida joins John Temple in this role. Temple will oversee the publication's digital and newsroom operations, while section editors will report to Merida.
Former Boston Globe editor Marty Baron, who replaced executive editor Marcus Brauchli in November 2012, made the announcement on Monday.
"I don’t have to tell you about the admiration and affection in this newsroom for Kevin, where he has worked for 20 years. He is a journalist of remarkable accomplishment, but also a warm and caring colleague. And he has a record of proven leadership," Baron wrote to Post staffers.
The Post made headlines recently when it was reported that the paper might introduce a paywall in 2013. The paper has long-distanced itself from charing for online content, even though competitors like the New York Times and Wall Street Journal implemented paywalls.
To see the full press release and Baron's memo, click over to Poynter.
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