Brian Rosenthal was announced as the editor in chief of The Daily for Fall and Winter Quarters, the board of Students Publishing Company Inc., The Daily’s publisher, announced Tuesday.
“We’re really happy and confident in his ability,” SPC Board Chairman and Medill Prof. Charles Whitaker said. “He expressed a very confident vision for where he would like to take The Daily next year.”
In addition to serving as co-online editor and city editor, Rosenthal has previously been deputy city editor and assistant city editor and a police, City Council and education beat writer for the city desk . The West Lafayette, Ind., native has also interned at The Seattle Times, The Reno Gazette-Journal in Reno, Nev. and the Pharos-Tribune in Logansport, Ind.
“Brian arguably could be the most well-qualified applicant ever for editor in chief,” said current Editor in Chief Matt Forman. “His experience at The Daily and other publications is second-to-none.”
Rosenthal said The Daily has “defined” his Northwestern experience.
“I’ve spent more time in these offices than in my residence over the past three years,” the Medill junior said.
The candidate’s experience as city editor and direction in the upcoming redesign of The Daily’s website made him a strong choice, Whitaker said. Rosenthal was the only candidate for the position. The past two editors had opposition, but the two previous candidates did not. The newsroom sometimes “self-selects” the candidate staffers would most like to see in the position, Whitaker said.
Rosenthal said the newspaper has opportunities to expand its coverage and its methods for telling stories.
“For years The Daily has covered Northwestern and Evanston in a way unparalleled by anyone else,” Rosenthal said. “But journalism is changing and we have to adapt to that. My job will be to continue that high-quality coverage and implement changes to match the changing times.”
Rosenthal is a “well-respected, big-hearted” leader, Forman said.
“Brian has proven time and time again, as a reporter, editor and friend, that he excels in every situation, no matter how challenging,” the Medill junior said. “I have the utmost confidence that Brian can and will take The Daily to a new level.”
– LARK TURNER
