Atlantic Media has announced that Ron Fournier, the Associated Press's Washington bureau chief, will take the new job of running the whole National Journal family of publications (standard disclosure: I previously worked at National Journal and Government Executive, and continue to write a column for TheAtlantic.com). It's not a job for the faint of heart, and Bradley explains why he has confidence in Fournier in an email to the company that's below the jump here, calling him "an uncompromised hire." It's an interesting turn of phrase, considering Bradley was rumored to have courted the Washington Post's Chris Cillizza for the job first.
But to me, the most illuminating part of the memo isn't actually about Fournier. It's the fact that 600 people have applied for the 30 reporting jobs the company is looking to fill in the National Journal Group after buying out large swaths of the senior staff. I'd been curious as to how the restructuring would affect the company's reputation as a place to work. The answer, apparently, is not very much.
My Colleagues,
Earlier today – actually minutes ago – Justin and I reached agreement with Ron Fournier, Washington Bureau Chief of the Associated Press, to join us as Editor-in-Chief of the National Journal Group. The title and position are new to the company. Ron will be the first editor responsible for all of the editorial product of the National Journal publications including the National Journal magazine, nationaljournal.com, CongressDaily, The Hotline, the Almanac of American Politics and Global Security Newswire.
Though we met only three years ago, Ron’s name has been whispered to me since my first days in Washington journalism. With genuine admiration, some of our most-talented colleagues have talked about Ron as among that small handful of the finest political reporters and editors in generations of Washington reporting. His particular gifts, unceasing focus on breaking news and original political analysis, are the first-among-equal disciplines we need to advance within our publications.
Ron has spent the better part of his career – 20 years – with the AP. Starting with a Little Rock posting, covering President Clinton’s second term as governor, moving to Washington to report on the new President, Ron has worked through the AP ranks. For the last two years, Ron has served as Washington Bureau Chief for the AP, leading a staff of over 100 writers and editors covering the national scene. I will attach a copy of Ron’s bio to this note.
In my judgment, the recruitment of Ron Fournier represents an uncompromised hire for the National Journal Group. Justin and I want to thank Charlie Green and Ron Brownstein for their leadership role in the search. Like Ron Fournier, both are extreme talent.
Today is a good start. The enterprise now addresses the recruitment of 30 new writers and editors worthy of their colleagues already here. (To date, we have received 600 applications with 200 names referred to us by the best journalists in Washington.) Our fixed intention is, as it has been throughout, to be wholly nonpartisan and manifestly the highest-end media enterprise in Washington.
Ron will arrive in our offices as soon as he completes his obligations with the AP. I hope you will join me in welcoming him.
National Journal Has a New Editor—And Lots of Applicants for Other Jobs
National Journal finds a leader for the next stage of its transformation.
Atlantic Media has announced that Ron Fournier, the Associated Press's Washington bureau chief, will take the new job of running the whole National Journal family of publications (standard disclosure: I previously worked at National Journal and Government Executive, and continue to write a column for TheAtlantic.com). It's not a job for the faint of heart, and Bradley explains why he has confidence in Fournier in an email to the company that's below the jump here, calling him "an uncompromised hire." It's an interesting turn of phrase, considering Bradley was rumored to have courted the Washington Post's Chris Cillizza for the job first.
But to me, the most illuminating part of the memo isn't actually about Fournier. It's the fact that 600 people have applied for the 30 reporting jobs the company is looking to fill in the National Journal Group after buying out large swaths of the senior staff. I'd been curious as to how the restructuring would affect the company's reputation as a place to work. The answer, apparently, is not very much.
My Colleagues,
Earlier today – actually minutes ago – Justin and I reached agreement with Ron Fournier, Washington Bureau Chief of the Associated Press, to join us as Editor-in-Chief of the National Journal Group. The title and position are new to the company. Ron will be the first editor responsible for all of the editorial product of the National Journal publications including the National Journal magazine, nationaljournal.com, CongressDaily, The Hotline, the Almanac of American Politics and Global Security Newswire.
Though we met only three years ago, Ron’s name has been whispered to me since my first days in Washington journalism. With genuine admiration, some of our most-talented colleagues have talked about Ron as among that small handful of the finest political reporters and editors in generations of Washington reporting. His particular gifts, unceasing focus on breaking news and original political analysis, are the first-among-equal disciplines we need to advance within our publications.
Ron has spent the better part of his career – 20 years – with the AP. Starting with a Little Rock posting, covering President Clinton’s second term as governor, moving to Washington to report on the new President, Ron has worked through the AP ranks. For the last two years, Ron has served as Washington Bureau Chief for the AP, leading a staff of over 100 writers and editors covering the national scene. I will attach a copy of Ron’s bio to this note.
In my judgment, the recruitment of Ron Fournier represents an uncompromised hire for the National Journal Group. Justin and I want to thank Charlie Green and Ron Brownstein for their leadership role in the search. Like Ron Fournier, both are extreme talent.
Today is a good start. The enterprise now addresses the recruitment of 30 new writers and editors worthy of their colleagues already here. (To date, we have received 600 applications with 200 names referred to us by the best journalists in Washington.) Our fixed intention is, as it has been throughout, to be wholly nonpartisan and manifestly the highest-end media enterprise in Washington.
Ron will arrive in our offices as soon as he completes his obligations with the AP. I hope you will join me in welcoming him.
Subscribe to Washingtonian
Follow Washingtonian on Twitter
More>> Capital Comment Blog | News & Politics | Party Photos
Most Popular in News & Politics
What It Felt Like for a Virginia Marching Band to Win Metallica’s Contest
What’s IN and OUT in DC Restaurant Trends for 2024
Introducing 8 of DC’s Most Stylish
Best of Washington 2023: Things to Eat, Drink, Do, and Know Right Now
Washingtonian Magazine
May 2024: Great Getaways
View IssueSubscribe
Follow Us on Social
Follow Us on Social
Related
13 Major Concerts and Music Festivals in the DC Area This Spring
Mary Timony on Her Emotional New Album, “Untame the Tiger”
The Beatles in DC: A New Exhibit in Maryland Looks Back on Early Beatlemania
Northern Virginia High School Wins Metallica’s Marching Band Competition
More from News & Politics
These Volunteers Wake Up at Dawn to Collect DC’s Dead—and Injured—Birds
Guest List: 5 People We’d Love to Hang Out With This May
Democrats and Republicans Pass Balls, Not Bills, at Congressional Soccer Game
3 New Memoirs by Prominent Women
Everything You Wanted to Know About Urban Bear Sightings but Were Afraid to Ask, Because Who Wants to Get That Close to a Bear?
Rockville Police Are Searching for Culprits of a $4,500 Pickleball Paddle Heist
Dozens of Vintage Planes Will Fly Over the National Mall This Saturday
PHOTOS: “Rupaul’s Drag Race” Queens Work It at the National Mall